Aleksei Tolstoy (1883-1945) was born and raised in Russia. During his four-decade literary career, he witnessed milestone historic events, both in his home country of Russia and abroad. He was a master storyteller, and wrote several children's tales as well as poems, plays and stories for adults.

Award-winning Irish illustrator Niamh Sharkey works in oils on a gessoed textured background to create the richness in color that has quickly established her as a world class illustrator. She graduated in 1994 with First Class Honors from the College of Marketing and Design, Dublin, and was chosen as "Student of the Year" in the Graphics category by the Society of Designers in Ireland. Niamh now lives in Dublin, Ireland.

Imelda Staunton has acted with both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, winning two Olivier awards. Her many screen roles include the title role in Vera Drake, which won her a BAFTA and an Academy Award nomination, and Professor Umbridge in two Harry Potter films.