David Lucas is an author and illustrator. His critically acclaimed picture books include Halibut Jackson, The Robot and the Bluebird, and The Wonderbird.

Born in Middlesborough to a teacher and a steelworker, David grew up as one of six identically dressed brothers - same jumpers, jeans and haircuts.

When his father decided to go to art college in London, the family relocated to a tent in Epping Forest, followed by a council flat in Hackney.

David started drawing and writing his own stories as a child, but failed art O-level and left school at 16.

Thankfully, a job in a design company in Clerkenwell led back to illustration.

He went on to study at both St Martins and the Royal College of Art. And a few years after graduating, illustration led back to storytelling.

Halibut Jackson, David Lucas 's debut picture book as author illustrator, was published by Andersen in 2005. Described as 'an instant classic' by the Financial Times, it was Amazon's favourite children's book of the year. Subsequently, BookTrust named him one of the Ten Best New Illustrators of 2008.

Since then David has had many of his stories published here, in the US, and in twelve languages around the world.

His books often draw on myths and fairytales, like Grendel - with its roots firmly in the legend of King Midas.

David's other books include Lost in the Toy Museum with Walker and , I Was Made for You with Andersen.

And most recently, Attack of the Giant Baby (illustrated by Bruce Ingham) - published by Bloomsbury.

David Lucas now lives with his wife and daughter in an old school house in Leytonstone, London.