James Dunn's family comes from Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales. He grew up in the Scottish Highlands and lives in North London, where he works in publishing. When it comes to sport he is not one of those who supports Scotland and whoever's playing against England. This is his first book. Kate Slater grew up on a farm in Staffordshire. She went to Thomas Alleyne's High School in Uttoxeter and studied Illustration at Kingston University. She has done illustration work for Random House Children's Books, The Guardian, Passion Pictures, Zig ad agency, Fast Company Magazine and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Her first children's book, Magpie's Treasure (Andersen Press), which she wrote and illustrated, has been shortlisted for the 2011 Cambridgeshire Children's Book Award. She is currently illustrating The King and His Wish for Oxford University Press.