Fruits

Valerie Bloom was born in Jamaica and came to England in 1979. One of the UK's finest poets for children, she has performed extensively in both Britain and the Caribbean in schools, universities and theatres. A brilliant performance poet, Valerie has also written novels and several picture books. She also received an MBE in 2007 for her services to poetry. David Axtell is a graduate of Falmouth School of Art and Design and has been an illustrator for 15 years. Originally inspired by figurative art, he has since become an award winning illustrator and has illustrated picture books by well-known writers, such as, Mark Haddon's The Ice Bear's Cave. He won a Smarties Prize Bronze Award for illustrating Fruits. He currently lives in Oxford.