B

Jo Bell is best known as the inaugural Canal Laureate for the Canal & River Trust and as director of National Poetry Day. Originally from Sheffield and raised on the edges of the Derbyshire Peak District, her fascination with historic narrowboats ignited her passion for poetry, leading to a remarkable career that included managing a fleet of these vessels. Jo lives on her 67-foot narrowboat Tinker. Boater is Jo’s first work of non-fiction.

KATY BRENT is the author of three novels. Previously an award-winning journalist, she always dreamed of writing a book and lockdown finally gave her the excuse to do it.

Tom Bolton is an award-winning educator and author. Once upon a time, he discovered a mysterious blocky game had been downloaded onto the school computer by one of his students. He booted it up and it transported him to an exciting land of adventure and creativity – what a perfect place for learning! Over the next few years, he joined his students on epic adventures in the world of Minecraft, simulating ancient history; learning about science and the environment; and practising valuable 21st century skills like collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving. He has written four Official Minecraft STEM workbooks, related to Computing, Engineering, Technology and Science.

August Bloom writes magical novels from her cosy writing studio in Gloucestershire. She devours gentle fantasy stories alongside cinnamon buns and loves the cooler autumn months when she can curl up under a blanket with a good book. Her co-writer is a chronically clumsy Labrador who she explores the countryside with.