Christmas Quest

Jennifer Gray is a former lawyer and now writes children's comedy. Her other work includes the Atticus Claw series. She lives in central London and Scotland with her family. Amanda Swift is a former actress. She has written for several children's series, including My Parents are Aliens, and dramatised two Jacqueline Wilson books for Radio 4. She has written three novels for the 9+ age group. She lives in south-east London.

Amanda Swift first worked as an actress, appearing in many commercials, including one for Angel Delight and another for Italian toilet-paper, Foxy. Theatre work included a show at Polka Children's Theatre and creating the role of the cleaning lady, Elvira Muckett, for Tony Hart's art show, Hartbeat. She has written for several children's series, including My Parents are Aliens, and has dramatised two Jacqueline Wilson books for Radio 4. She has written three novels for 9-12 year olds: The Boys' Club, Big Bones and Anna/Bella. She lives in London with her husband and her two hairy teenage sons. Jennifer Gray lives in central London and Scotland with her husband, 4 children and overfed cat, Henry (after Henry the Eighth). She has been writing children's comedy for a couple of years and her work has received an honorary mention in the SCBWI Undiscovered Voices Competition. Jennifer likes writing about everything from guinea pigs to fairy godmothers, cats with attitude and evil geniuses. She recently completed the Certificate in Novel Writing course at City University. Writing is Jennifer's passion (along with chocolate cake) and her ambition is to be nominated for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize one day.

Sarah grew up in Derbyshire, mainly under a snow drift. She spent much of her childhood scampering in the nearby fields with a few goats. Then she decided to be sensible and studied Illustration at Falmouth College of Arts, graduating in 2001. She has illustrated for many different projects including an ad campaign for Kew Gardens entitled 'Plantastic Play'. She has also undertaken commission from The Guardian and The Independent newspapers. Sarah now specialises in funny, inky illustration and words for children's fiction and picture books. Sarah likes to paint on very big canvas. She loves funny detail, colour, music, dreams and big open spaces. Sarah now works from a studio on a hill in Forest Hill, London.