Neal Layton studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Newcastle University and Central St Martin's School of Art. His images are prized for their spontaneity and inventiveness. His picture books include The Tree , The Story of Stars, and A Planet Full of Plastic . James Carter is a former lecturer in Creative Writing and Children's Literature at Reading University-now a world-travelling children's poet, giving performances with his melodica at festivals, workshops and in libraries and schools. His previous books for younger children are Zim Zam Zoom , illustrated by Nicola Colton, and A Ticket to Kalamazoo , illustrated by Neal Layton.