OSCAR WILDE was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1854, and studied at Trinity College Dublin and at Magdalen College in Oxford. He was a playwright and poet, short story writer and novelist who wrote one novel and 14 works of short fiction. His most famous work was The Picture of Dorian Gray, which is regarded as one of the greatest works of Irish Literature. He enjoyed considerable fame in London literary circles. His plays continue to be performed today, most notably The Importance of Being Earnest, and he remains a cornerstone of Irish literature. LAUREN O'HARA is a illustrator based in Dublin, Ireland, originally from the north of England. As well as collaborating with her writer sister, Natalia, on Once Upon a Fairytale and Hortense and the Shadow she has illustrated books by Sophie Dahl, Vivian French, and with the Royal Opera House. Lauren has three times been nominated for the CILIP Kate Greenaway award.

Her book Madame Badobedah with author Sophie Dahl was the Guardian's book of the year, and Frindleswylde by Natalia O'Hara was awarded the Children's Books Ireland Illustration Honour award. She lives in a converted church in Dublin with her partner and assorted ghosts.