Marcus Pfister was born in Bern, Switzerland. After studying at art school in Bern, he trained as a graphic artist. His first picture book was published by NordSüd in 1986, but his breakthrough as author and illustrator came in 1992 with the publication of The Rainbow Fish . Since then he has published more than 60 books, which have been translated into about 65 languages and have won many international awards. He lives with his family 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.