Mary Auld is a writer of children's information books, working over a broad range of subjects. She has been actively involved in music from an early age, both singing and playing the flute, on an amateur basis. She loves making music in a group, be that in an orchestra or a choir. Whether making music or writing children's books, her aim is to share her enthusiasm and inspire readers. Her books have won awards and been shortlisted for others.Mary Auld is a pen name for Rachel Cooke, who is an honorary fellow of the English Association in recognition of her editorial work in children's non-fiction.

Elisa Paganelli was born in Modena, Italy, and since childhood cannot resist the smell of paper and pencils. She attended the Institute of Art and subsequently graduated from the European Institute of Design (IED) in Turin with a degree in illustration. After working as a graphic designer for a communication agency for a few years, she decided to set up her own art and design studio. Elisa devotes most of her time to her passion for images and words. She thinks of herself as a kind of hermit, immersed in her quiet world of nature and books, accompanied by a cup of tea and her beloved pet-assistants. She now collaborates with publishers and other clients all over the world, and also writes for a newspaper’s lifestyle column.

Sir Simon Denis Rattle OM CBE is a British conductor. He rose to international prominence during the 1980s and 1990s, while Music Director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Rattle was principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic from 2002 to 2018.