Born in Jamaica, Valerie Bloom, is one of the most highly regarded poets writing today. Her collections Let Me Touch the Sky, Hot Like Fire, and Whoop and Shout were all Poetry Book Society choices. Her picture book, Fruits, with David Axtell, won a Smarties Bronze Award and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Valerie has presented poetry programmes for BBC Radio and contributed to various other radio and television programmes. She visits schools in many countries to give recitals and poetry workshops. Valerie Bloom has an Honorary Masters Degree from the University of Kent, and was awarded an MBE in the 2008 New Year Honours List. She lives in Kent, England.

Ken Wilson-Max was born in Zimbabwe and has a deep commitment to African regeneration. As author and illustrator he has over 70 books to his credit. He is a Patron of CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) and of the Jericho Prize. He illustrated Valerie Bloom's Stars With Flaming Tails, winner of the 2021 CLiPPA Award, and has been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Award and the Carnegie/Kate Greenaway Medal. For Otter-Barry Books he has written Astro Girl, Eco Girl and Aqua Boy. He lives in North London.