Melissa Keil is the author of three novels for young adults: Life in Outer Space (2013), The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl (2014) and The Secret Science of Magic (2017).

She won the Ampersand Prize and the Ena Noël Award from IBBY Australia for her debut novel, and has since been recognised in numerous awards including the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and the Western Australian Premier’s Literary Awards in 2014; the CBCA’s Book of the Year for Older Readers in 2014 and 2015; and the teens’ choice Gold Inky Awards in 2015. Melissa’s books have been published all over the world.

Born and raised in Melbourne, Melissa studied Cinema and Anthropology at university and completed a short stint as a teacher on the wrong side of the tracks in London. She now works as a children’s book editor, and spends her free time being a giant nerd.

Adele K Thomas is an illustrator and art director with over thirteen years of experience in animated film and TV design, as well as a long list of illustrated children’s books to her name. Adele’s experience in animation allows her to bring a unique liveliness and sense of movement to her distinctive illustrations.

Her numerous books for children include the Pearl series, the Champion Charlies series, the Mermaid Holidays series and her self-published picture book, Animals Eat Their Veggies Too! She was shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Crichton Award for her illustration work on The Monster Maintenance Manual.

Born in England, Adele emigrated to Australia at 9 years old and later went on to study Animation at Griffith University's Film School. She is a self-described geek who enjoys collecting LEGO mini figures and hanging out with her dog, Jasper.