Linda Newbery (Author) Linda Newbery is an award-winning children's author. Sisterland was shortlisted for the Carnegie Award, The Shell House was shortisted for the Carnegie and Guardian book prize and Set in Stone won the Costa Children's Book Prize. Linda lives in a small village in Oxfordshire with her husband and two cats. Catherine Rayner (Illustrator) Catherine Rayner grew up in the Yorkshire countryside, and has drawn animals ever since she could hold a pencil. A Kate Greenaway Medal-winning illustrator, her books include Smelly Louie, Abigail and The Go-Away Bird, written by Julia Donaldson. She lives in Edinburgh with her husband, her two sons, Ena the cat, Shannon the horse, and two goldfish. Catherine finds huge inspiration in her pets and often uses them as her models.