Julia Donaldson, the 2011-2013 Children's Laureate, is the outrageously talented, prize-winning author of the world's most-loved picture books and has also written many poems and plays for children, some of which are collected in her popular anthologies Play Time and Poems to Perform. Julia believes in drama and performance as an aide to developing literacy and is the creator of the website www.picturebookplays.co.uk, which provides resources for using picture books in performance. Axel Scheffler is a star illustrator who enjoys worldwide acclaim for his humorous illustrations. Most notable for his bestselling picture books, including The Gruffalo and The Room On The Broom, Axel is also the illustrator of wonderful novelty and gift books, and the creator of the popular Pip and Posy series. He lives in London with his partner and their daughter.