Classics Retold: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Lynne Benton (Author) br Lynne Benton was born in Bournemouth, but moved to Bath at 18 to train as a teacher, and has lived there ever since. She has taught in several primary schools in the area, as well as working as pianist and receptionist in a dancing school and bringing up four children. In 1982 she and her husband, Robin, a fellow-teacher and composer, co-wrote a musical play for primary schools based on the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece (still, happily, in print) but it was only when their children began leaving home for university that she began writing seriously. In 1996 she was a prizewinner in the Independent's Children's Story of the Year competition, and since then has had several fiction books published. As well as writing longer novels for older children she enjoys writing humorous "bite-size" stories for younger ones. She welcomes invitations to go into schools and talk to children about her books, since it keeps her in touch with her readers, who she finds a continual source of inspiration.brbrLia Visirin (Illustrator) br Lia was born in a small town in Transylvania, Romania, where she now lives with her husband and lots of house plants. She has a BA in traditional graphic arts, but she is a self taught children's books illustrator. She discovered her passion for children's illustrations very early on. Later, she started working on children's magazines with a local publishing house and knew she wanted to continue on this route. Presently, she works with renowned publishers from all over the world like Walker Books , Usborne, Harper Collins and many more. Lia gets inspiration from nature, old photographs and childhood memories. Her style has beautiful color palettes and lots of details, which transform into wonderfully whimsical illustrations.brbr