Clara Vulliamy was born in London and studied at Chelsea School of Art, The Ruskin and the Royal Academy. She is the daughter of the celebrated author-illustrator Shirley Hughes and began illustrating picture books when she had her own children. She has since written and illustrated many stories, sometimes collaborating with her mother. She lives in Twickenham, with her husband and their daughters, Leah and Martha.

For previous Dotty titles:‘It's funny, it's mysterious and you will be puzzled for a long time.’ – Aarav Mehta, age 7‘This book was amazing and I really enjoyed it.’ – Cassandra Butler, age 6‘I liked how Dot solved the mystery.’ – Ruby Laverty, age 6