Lydia Monks lives in Sheffield. Her favourite subjects at school were Art, English and RE. She then went on to Kingston University where she studied for a degree in illustration.
She has always liked the idea of writing and illustrating books and finds her ideas in everyday life, and is now one of the most original picture book artists. 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.
A keen Irish dancer, she wins trophies at the weekend. She also enjoys going to aerobics, watching films and visiting her friends. Monks lists her favourite foods as ice-cream, and her extravagance as buying a cornflake cake at the baker's when she only went into buy a loaf of bread!
Websites
Titles
What the Ladybird Heard 10th Anniversary EditionRabbit Races Ahead!Frog Hops Off!Mouse's Big DayAaaarrgghh Spider!I Wish I Were a DogWhat the Ladybird HeardOoo, Ooo, Ooo GorillaSharing a ShellMungo Monkey has a Birthday Party
