By My Side

Hollie Hughes is best known as the author of many much-loved picture books for young children, including the bestselling, award-winning The Girl and the Dinosaur, illustrated by Sarah Massini. When not scribbling away on picture book texts, she occasionally writes stories, poems and plays for older children and grown-ups too.Previously a youth worker and higher education lecturer, much of her work now takes place in schools - both as a visiting author, and as a literacy consultant. She also runs writing workshops for children and adults, and regularly takes part in literary festivals and events.Ben Mantle is the illustrator of Shane Hegarty's Boot, shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award. His picture book The Best Birthday Present Ever won the Dundee Picture Book Award and he has illustrated a number of iconic fiction covers such as Piers Torday's The Lost Magician and Jenny McLachlan's The Land of Roar. Ben studied Animation at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design before working as an animator. Since 2008, Ben has been working as a children's book illustrator and also produces screen prints and digital artwork to exhibit. Ben lives in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.