Dulak, Mariesa: There's a Tiger on the Train

Mariesa Dulak was born in Yorkshire of dual heritage (Barbadian/White British). Her Dad taught her how to hold a cricket bat, prune roses and master long division while her Mum fed her a nutritious diet of Fairy tales, Pam Ayres and Yorkshire puddings. A love of bookish things led to a degree in English literature, an MA in Children's Literature and a career in publishing. The GEA helped Mariesa turn her scribbles into stories - she now writes picture books about identity and family life. Mariesa is a Primary School Librarian and lives with her family in West London.

Rebecca Cobb grew up surrounded by coloured pencils, felt pens, wax crayons, poster paints and pieces of paper. She now works as a picture book illustrator and writer. As well as illustrating her own books, she has also illustrated works by authors, including Julia Donaldson, Helen Dunmore, Richard Curtis, Nicola Davies and Katherine Woodfine. In 2013, Rebecca won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Picture Books with her book Lunchtime, and she has been shortlisted for the prestigious CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal three times.