Jasbinder Bilan was born in a stable in the foothills of the Himalayas that had been in her family for generations. Her debut novel Asha and the Spirit Bird won the prestigious Costa Children's Book Award and The Times Chickenhouse Fiction Prize.

Jasbinder studied for an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and now lives near Bath, in England, with her husband, two sons and an adorable dog named Enzo. She works as a teacher and in her free time (when she's not out walking Enzo), loves writing stories for children.

Jane Ray's exquisite artwork has gained acclaim both in the UK and internationally, and she regularly shows her work at galleries and exhibitions.

Jane won the Smarties Prize with The Story of Creation; The Story of Christmas was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award; and A Balloon for Grandad was shortlisted for the Mother Goose Award.

Jane's books for Orchard include the contemporary fairy tale The Apple-Pip Princess, the heartwarming The Dolls' House Fairy and the fabulously festive The Twelve Days of Christmas. She is also the illustrator of Heartsong, written by Kevin Crossley-Holland. Jane lives in London.