Douglas Adams created all the various and contradictory manifestations of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: radio, novels, TV, computer game, stage adaptations, comic book and bath towel. He was born in Cambridge, UK and lived with his wife and daughter in Islington, London, before moving to Santa Barbara, California, where he died suddenly in 2001. Chris Riddell, the 2015-2017 UK Children's Laureate, is an accomplished artist and the political cartoonist for the Observer. He has enjoyed great acclaim for his books for children. His books have won a number of major prizes, including the 2001, 2004 and 2016 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medals. Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse won the Costa Children's Book Award 2013. Chris has been honoured with an OBE in recognition of his illustration and charity work. He lives in Brighton with his family.
It changed by whole life. It's literally out of this world -- Tom Baker Really entertaining and fun -- Michael Palin Packed with that unique energy, all barmy and bristling and bold . . . above all, it dares to be silly. Fiercely, beautifully silly -- Russell T. Davies, writer and producer of Doctor Who Weird and wonderful -- Eoin Colfer The first book that wasn't by Roald Dahl that really made me laugh -- Robert Webb I haven't known many geniuses in my life. Some brilliantly smart people, but only a tiny handful would I class as geniuses. I would class Douglas, because he saw things differently, and he was capable of communicating the way he saw things, and once he explained things the way he saw them, it was almost impossible to see them the way you used to see them -- Neil Gaiman Fizzing with ideas . . . brilliant -- Charlie Brooker Dazzlingly inventive -- Caitlin Moran One of the greatest achievements in comedy. A work of staggering genius -- David Walliams