Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library colouring-in competition aged seven. He went on to study Animation at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design before working as an animator. Ben illustrated Callum's Incredible Construction Kit for Egmont which won the Bishop's Stortford Picture Book Award. He is also the illustrator of Giggle, Giggle What's so Funny? (Campbell) as well as Bigger Digger and Rocket Racers for Random House. The Best Christmas Present Ever! is the sequel to Ben's Macmillan debut, The Best Birthday Present Ever! (winner of the 2016 Dundee Picture Book Award) . Ben lives and works in Brighton where every year he holds a Christmas cheese party very aptly called 'Merry Cheesemas'.