Tove Jansson (1914 2001) was born in Helsinki and spent much of her life in Finland. She is the author of the Moomin books, including "Comet in Moominland" and "Finn Family Moomintroll". Born into an artistic family her father was a sculptor and her mother was a graphic designer and illustrator Jansson studied at the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, and L Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In addition to her Moomin books, she also wrote several novels, drew comic strips and worked as a painter and illustrator. In 1966, she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her body of work. Jansson had a studio in Helsinki but spent most of her time at her home on a small island called Klovharu.

Hilary McKay is the award-winning author of" Binny in Secret" (which received three starred reviews), "Binny for Short" (which received four starred reviews), and six novels about the Casson family: "Caddy s World "(which received three starred reviews), "Saffy s Angel" (winner of the Whitbread Award, an ALA Notable Book, a "Boston Globe-Horn Book" Honor Book, and a "School Library Journal" Best Book), "Indigo s Star" (an ALA Notable Book and a "Publishers Weekly" Best Book), "Permanent Rose", "Caddy Ever After", and "Forever Rose". She is also the author of "Wishing for Tomorrow", the sequel to Frances Hodgson Burnett s "A Little Princess". Hilary lives with her family in Derbyshire, England. Visit her at HilaryMcKay.co.uk.