Gordon Snell is the author of many books for children. He has also written song lyrics and librettos, novels and plays, and has worked in both television and radio as a writer and interviewer. He says of The King of Quizzical Island, "Children are completely at home in this world of imagination and impossible situations. If our story encourages them to read and ask more questions about the world around them, I am very happy." He lives in Dublin with his wife, the writer Maeve Binchey. David McKee started drawing cartoons for newspapers and magazines when he was still at art college. His first picture book, Two Can Toucan, was published in 1964 and he went on to create some of the best-loved children's characters in the world, including Mr Benn, King Rollo, and Elmer the Elephant. In 1980 he set up King Rollo Films, an award-winning animation studio. About The King of Quizzical Island he says: "I love the humour of this story and the way it provokes enquiry. All kings should be more like this one - asking questions then going out and seeking answers!" David McKee divides his time between England and France.