Nikki Siegen-Smith studied English Literature and Linguistics at East Anglia University and has built an impressive career in primary education. She now works as a literacy consultant in the South-West of England. Nikki has compiled four other anthologies for Barefoot Books, including Sea Dream - Poems from under the Waves (2002). Giovanni Manna's distinctive illustrative style has been exhibited worldwide and, in 1996, he won first prize at Italy's Chioggia International Exhibition. This is Giovanni's fourth title for Barefoot Books, joining The Barefoot Book of Giants, Ghosts and Goblins (1999), Someone I like (2000), You and Me (2000) and The Barefoot Book of Knights (2002). He currently lives in Bologna with his wife and daughter.