Elena Pasquali (Author) Elena Pasquali worked for some years in children's publishing before becoming an author in her own right. She has a special interest in researching and retelling folk tales from around the world. She enjoys exploring new cultures and learning new languages that will help her understand those cultures better. Nicola Smee (Illustrator) Nicola Smee's illustrations have been shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Baby Book Award and nominated for the Booktrust Early Years Award.