Aliens Love Panta Claus Award-winning team by Claire Freedman (author) and Ben Cort (illustrator)

Claire Freedman is the successful author of over 50 picture books, including the Aliens in Underpants books, George’s Dragon and Tappity Tap! What Was That? She is best known for Aliens Love Underpants, which has gone on to become a huge best seller and was the winner of the Richard and Judy Children’s Book Club in 2007.

Claire left school at sixteen and was the worst secretary ever, a trainee buyer at Harrods and a dental nurse before becoming a full-time writer. Claire says “For me, writing is the best job ever. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I love to create worlds for young children to enjoy and escape into.” She lives on the Essex coast with her husband and loves walking along the sea path, eating in her favourite beach-side café and catching up with friends.

Ben Cort is the extremely popular illustrator of several children’s books, which have been published in 18 languages in 20 countries worldwide. His picture books include Under the Bed, 3-2-1 Bedtime, Pigs Can’t Fly, My Jolly Pirate Pack, the Squeaker Books and the Fun Phones series. Ben lives in Bedfordshire with his wife and two children.