John Cech writes plays, poetry and fiction for both children and adults and is a professor of English at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He has served as a judge for The New York Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year, as well as the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards. Bernhard Oberdieck has illustrated numerous books, including The Princess and the Pea and enjoys international acclaim. He uses a variety of media, including coloured pencils, pastels and acrylics, to create his fine, detailed work.