Pat Thomson trained as a teacher and is now very active in promoting reading for pleasure. She visits schools, and is involved in many children's reading schemes, including the Federation of Children's Book Groups. She is the author of over 50 books, which have been published in many languages. Jonathan Allen is a well-known and respected children's book illustrator. He lives in South Cambridgeshire with his partner Gill, his two children, and assorted pets. Jonathan Allen studied at St Martin's College of Art and published a book of nonsense poems the year he graduated. He has since written and illustrated numerous children's books.