MARGARET MAHY, the iconic children's author from New Zealand who sadly died earlier this year, wrote more than 200 books for children of all ages and is acknowledged to be one of the outstanding children's writers of the twentieth century. In 2006 she was presented with the Hans Christian Andersen medal, which is the highest international recognition granted to authors and illustrators of children's books. Twice winner of the Carnegie Medal, several of her books have become modern classics. Her other picture books for Frances Lincoln include: Dashing Dog, illustrated by Sarah Garland, and Down the Back of the Chair illustrated by Polly Dunbar. POLLY DUNBAR was born in Stratford upon Avon. Daughter of children's author Joyce Dunbar, Polly first started illustrating when she was 16 and has a degree in Illustration at the University of Brighton. She lives in Brighton, Sussex.