Information about the author Julia Donaldson is the outrageously talented, prize-winning author of some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which together have sold over 17 million copies worldwide, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle books illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays, and songs, and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was Children's Laureate from 2011 to 2013 and has been honored with an MBE for services to literature. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh. Axel Scheffler is a star illustrator whose instantly recognizable, warm, and witty illustrations have achieved worldwide acclaim and numerous awards. In addition to his picture books, Axel is the.