Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear

Andy Stanton studied English at Oxford but they kicked him out. Before becoming a children’s writer he was a film script reader, a market researcher, an NHS lackey, a part-time sparrow and a grape. He is best known for the hilarious, bestselling and award-winning Mr Gum series and has also written picture books, including Danny McGee Drinks the Sea. Andy lives in North London and likes cartoons, books and music (even jazz).David Tazzyman studied illustration at Manchester Metropolitan University. As well as illustrating the Mr Gum series, he has illustrated many picture books Eleanor's Eyebrows, You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus, Michael Rosen's Jelly Boots, Smelly Boots and My Mum's Growing Down by Laura Dockrill. He lives in Leicester with his wife and three sons.

"'Smooky palooki! This book is well brilliant! Andy Stanton is far too clever and funny and should be locked away in a very dark place that nobody can find.' Jeremy Strong; 'A wickedly entertaining story' Bookseller; 'Andy Stanton accumulates silliness and jokes in an irresistible, laughter-inducing romp' The Sunday Times; 'Worryingly splendid' Guardian; 'A riotous read' Sunday Express; 'Designed to tickle young funny bones' Glasgow Herald; 'Cranks up children's storytelling conventions to hilarious extremes' Jewish Chronicle."