Libby Gleeson AM has published over 30 popular, highly acclaimed books for children and teenagers, been shortlisted for 13 CBCA Awards, and won three. Libby has been a teacher and lecturer and contributes regularly to national conferences. She chaired the Australian Society of Authors from 1999-2001, and in 2007 was awarded membership to the Order of Australia. She won the 2011 Dromkeen Medal, awarded for contributions to children's literature.Freya Blackwood grew up in Orange, NSW. The daughter of a painter and an architect, she began drawing at a young age. She produced many illustrated books at school, but completed a design degree and became interested in filmmaking. She worked for several years in the special effects industry in Sydney and Wellington, NZ, before eventually returning to illustration. In 2010, Freya won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal for Harry and Hopper.