Judy Allen is an award-winning author who has written more than 40 books for children. In 1988, her novel, Awaiting Developments, won the Whitbread Children's Novel Award, the Friends of the Earth Award and was commended for the Carnegie Medal. Fantasy has always been in Judy's blood - she was born at Old Sarum, near Stonehenge, a place of old magic. Her great aunt used to have a crystal ball, but it disappeared mysteriously after she died. Jonathan Stroud is the author of The Amulet of Samarkand and The Golem's Eye-daring adventures involving wizards, djinn and many monsters. He is in the process of writing the next book in The Bartimaeus Trilogy. The film rights to the trilogy have been sold, and dates for the expected production and release of the first film are eagerly anticipated by the author and his readers. Richard Hook is a internationally acclaimed artist, renowned for his paintings of native American culture. As well as illustrating many historical books for adults and children, he has illustrated a beautiful picture book called Where's the Dragon? John Howe lives in Switzerland with his wife and son. His work has featured in several Tolkien calendars and on posters commemorating the 50th anniversary of the publication of The Hobbit and the centenary of Tolkien's birth. Patricia Ludlow has illustrated many children's books, including many on fairies and dragons. Nicki Palin has exhibited her artwork in Liverpool, Stratford and London. Her work has also been shortlisted for the Mother Goose Award and the Kate Greenaway Medal.
