James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893) was born in Boston, Massachussetts, the son of a pastor. He became the organist and director of music at a church in Savannah, Georgia, and he fought for the South in the American Civil War. "Jingle Bells" is one of the most popular songs in the world, and was the first song broadcast from space.

Niroot Puttapipat grew up in Thailand, the grandson of a Thai princess. He has a lifelong interest in art and literature and is passionately fond of the "Golden Age" illustrators, Oriental art and silhouettes. He is the illustrator of The Night Before Christmas (9781406302004), Aladdin (9781406316636), The Musicians of Bremen (9781844280209) and Dragon's Egg (9781844288779). Niroot lives in London, SE5.