Marcus Pfister was born in Bern, Switzerland. After studying at the Art School of Bern, he apprenticed as a graphic designer and worked in an advertising agency before becoming self-employed in 1984. His debut picture book, The Sleepy Owl , was published by NorthSouth in 1986, but his big breakthrough came six years later with The Rainbow Fish . Marcus has illustrated over sixty-five books that have been translated into more than sixty languages and received countless international awards. He lives with his wife, Debora, and their children in Bern. David Henry Wilson, born in London, is a playwright, novelist, children's book author, and translator. His plays have been produced in many well-known theaters in Great Britain as well as abroad, and his children's books--especially the Jeremy James series--have been translated into many languages. His novel The Coachman Rat received critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic.

For many years he lectured at the universities of Bristol (England) and Konstanz (Germany), where he founded the university theater. His translations from French and German cover many subjects, ranging from literary theory, art, travel, and general culture to children's novels and picture books.