Simon Rickerty graduated from The Royal College of Art in 2006 with a Master's degree in Communication Art and Design. His first picture book, Peas, written by Andy Cullen, was published in 2009 and shortlisted for the Booktrust Early Years Award. Simon has gone on to illustrate many more highly acclaimed books for children, includingTen Little Pirates, winner of the Nottingham Children's Book Prize, andMonkey Nut, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. He lives in Somerset.