Richmal Crompton was born in Lancashire in 1890. The first story about William Brown appeared in Home magazine in 1919, and the first collection of William stories was published in book form three years later. In all, thirty-eight Just William books were published, the last, William the Lawless, in 1970 after Richmal Crompton's death.
Lydia Monks is one of the most original and bestselling picture book artists working today.
Lydia illustrates several bestselling series including the What the Ladybird Heard adventures and Princess Mirror-Belle, written by Julia Donaldson. Her distinctive use of colour and collage has won her critical acclaim and several awards, including the Royal Mail Scottish Children's Book Award, the Stockport Children's Book Award and multiple nominations for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Mouse's Big Day, written and illustrated by Lydia, is the first book in her Twit Twoo School series.
Lydia lives in Sheffield.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce, UK Children's Laureate 2024-2026, is a multi award-winning children's book author and screenwriter. Millions, his debut children's novel, won the prestigious CILIP Carnegie Medal. His other books include Cosmic, Framed, The Astounding Broccoli Boy, Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth, Runaway Robot, Noah's Gold and The Wonder Brothers. He has enjoyed a long-standing collaboration with award-winning illustrator Steven Lenton.
His books have been shortlisted for a multitude of prizes, including the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Children's Fiction Award, The Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award. Frank is also a highly successful screenwriter. He has written for the hit TV series Dr Who and his script for Michael Morpurgo's Kensuke's Kingdom won a British Animation Award. Along with Danny Boyle, he devised the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics.
Frank has been the judge for the 500 Words competition and the BBC's One Show As You Write It competition. Frank is a lifelong champion of children's books. In 2023 he launched a successful podcast with Nadia Shireen, The Island of Brilliant!, celebrating writing and illustration for children of all ages. He lives in Merseyside with his family.
