Six Queens

About Lydia Monks

Lydia Monks is one of the most original picture book artists working today. Lydia illustrates several bestselling series including the What the Ladybird Heard adventures and Princess Mirror-Belle, written by Julia Donaldson. Her distinctive use of colour and collage has won her critical acclaim and several awards, including the Royal Mail Scottish Children’s Book Award, the Stockport Children’s Book Award and multiple nominations for the Kate Greenaway Medal. She is also the author and illustrator of the preschool picture book series Twit Twoo School. Lydia lives in Sheffield.

Photo credit - Rob King

Things you didn't know about Lydia Monks:

   1. She has ginger hair.
   2. She goes to tango classes.
   3. She has a sister called Julie who also illustrates children’s books.
   4. She doesn’t have any pets but would like some.
   5. She always talks to cats in the street.
   6. She listens to the radio all day while she works.
   7. She has won medals and trophies for Irish dancing.
   8. She used to have an old, green car that was born in the 1970s, which people used to laugh at.
   9. She uses teeny, weeny brushes to work with.
  10. She has a husband who is also an illustrator.

Click here to read a Q&A with the author from top children's publisher Egmont.