David Almond is one of the most exciting children's authors writing today. His acclaimed books include Skellig, winner of the Whitbread Children's Award and the Carnegie Medal; Kit's Wilderness, winner of the Smarties Award Silver Medal, Highly Commended for the Carnegie Medal, and shortlisted for the Guardian Award; and The Fire-Eaters, winner of the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Gold Award and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. He lives in Northumberland. Polly Dunbar is a bright new talent in the world of children's books. The author and illustrator of Flyaway Katie (9781844285174), Dog Blue (9781844285143) and Penguin (9781844280650), she also illustrated Shoe Baby (9781406301618), written by her mother, distinguished author Joyce Dunbar. Polly lives in Brighton and was selected as the 2006 National Children's Book Week artist.