Mark Carthew is a highly regarded primary teacher, editor, writer and workshop presenter. Mark has also released a series of big books of nursery rhymes, counting rhymes, finger plays and action rhymes. Like WICKED WIZARDS AND LEAPING LIZARDS, Mark's recently released trade picture book of quirky rhymes and riddles, NEWTS, LUTES AND BANDICOOTS, was also illustrated by Mike Spoor. Mike Spoor was born in Newcastle, UK. At school, he loved art and spent his time inventing hundreds of cartoon creatures. After attending art college he became a ceramicist and he taught in secondary schools for 10 years. In 1991 Mike moved to Australia with his family, settling near Brisbane. He has worked with the Australian Flying Arts School, running ceramics workshops, and as a freelance illustrator, enjoying support from the Queensland Writers' Centre.