Biographical note

Kate Saunders began her career as a professional actor but moved into journalism following the publication of her first novel, The Prodigal Father, in 1986, for which she won the Betty Trask Award. Since then, Kate has written many books for adults and children. Saunders won the annual Costa Children's Book Award for Five Children on the Western Front, a highly acclaimed contribution to the classic fantasy series by E. Nesbit. Kate was twice shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal with Five Children on the Western Front and The Land of Neverendings. Kate's other novels include Storm in the Citadel, Catholic and Sex (co-authored with Peter Stanford), Wild Young Bohemians, Beswitched, The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop, Magicalamity and many more.

Kate wrote and reviewed for newspapers and magazines including The Sunday Times, Sunday Express, Daily Telegraph and Cosmopolitan. She was also a regular contributor to radio and television, including appearances on BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour and Start the Week. She was a guest on the first episode of the long-running news quiz programme, Have I Got News For You, and her acting work includes an appearance in Only Fools and Horses. The BBC children's series Belfry Witches was based on Kate's children's books about two mischief-making witches. Kate lived in London with her family.

NEAL LAYTON was born and raised in Chichester. Whilst he was growing up he spent much of his time playing in the dirt, making homemade catapults and drawing pictures. He studied BA Graphic Design at Newcastle, and MA Illustration at Central Saint Martins. Neal now lives in Portsmouth with his family. He likes living by the seaside.