Chris Riddell studied at the Epsom School of Art and Design and was a student of Raymond Briggs at Brighton Polytechnic. As well as working as a political cartoonist for the Economist, the Independent and the Observer, Chris has created an extraordinary range of books which have won many illustration awards including the UNESCO Prize and the Greenaway Medal (twice). These include the highly-acclaimed Ottoline titles and the 2013 Costa Children's Book Award-winning Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse. Chris has also achieved international success through his best-selling collaboration with Paul Stewart (The Edge Chronicles).

As an artist and illustrator in command of a variety of forms and genres, ranging from political satire to picture books, graphic novels to cross-over fantasy, Chris Riddell demonstrates a broad understanding of visual communication for all ages. He has also been celebrated for his inclusion of themes of ‘otherness’ and of tolerance to a young audience without ever becoming didactic or pedantic. Coupled with his classical drawing ability, Riddell has earned the respect and adoration of diverse audiences across several generations. He is currently occupying the post of the Booktrust Writer in Residence. He lives and works in Brighton.