Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library colouring-in competition aged seven. He went on to study Animation at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design before working as an animator. Ben is the illustrator of RUDEY'S WINDY CHRISTMAS (Random House) and CALLUM'S INCREDIBLE CONSTRUCTION KIT (Egmont) which won the 2013 Bishop's Stortford Picture Book Award. THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER! is Ben's author debut picture book. Being a twin, Ben's best birthday present is one he doesn't have to share with his brother -- although they did get matching shellsuits one year which were awesome! Ben lives and works in Brighton.