Biographical note

Che Golden is a graduate of the Masters course in Creative Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University and The Meadow Vale Ponies series are her first books for OUP. Apart from writing, Che's other passion is horses. Che's first horse was Velvet, a huge, black Irish Cob who not only taught Che how to ride, but taught her two little girls as well. Now, they own Charlie Brown, a rather neurotic New Forest pony, and Robbie, a very laid back Highland pony. Mulberry is based on a little black mare, Brie, who Che's daughter fell in love with, despite the fact that Brie was even naughtier than Mulberry! Thomas Docherty is an enormously talented illustrator. He spends much of his time visiting schools and libraries, meeting his readers and helping them to create their own stories. He lives in Bristol with his wife and two young daughters. Little Boat, which he illustrated and wrote, was shortlisted for the highly prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal.