Kate Petty (Author) Kate Petty was an outstanding editor and author of children's books, who tragically died of cancer in 2007. Kate was the author of both fiction for children and a number of novelty and pop-up books, including the ground breaking The Great Grammar Book, illustrated by Jennie Maizels, the first in an innovative non-fiction series which was translated into 12 languages. Nosy Crow will reissue Kate's celebrated gardening series, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, beginning with Sam Plants A Sunflower in 2022. Kate had an extraordinary ability both to create characters and to present facts and complicated principles to children in a way that continues to be accessible and fun. Alongside her own writing she commissioned fiction and non-fiction titles for the Eden Project. Axel Scheffler (Illustrator) Axel is best known for his partnership with Julia Donaldson, on books including Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo. For Nosy Crow, Axel has illustrated a number of other highly successful titles, including the Pip and Posy series, The Grunts and the bestselling Flip Flap series. Axel lives in London with his partner and young daughter.