David Walliams, Quentin Blake

David Walliams has revolutionised reading for children and has become one of the most influential children's writers today. Since the publication of his ground-breaking first novel, The Boy in the Dress (28), Walliams has seen unprecedented growth with global sales exceeding 45 million copies, and his books translated into 55 languages. Collectively across his titles, David has celebrated 7 weeks (non-consecutive) at number one in the overall book charts and more than 2 weeks (non-consecutive) at number one in the Children's charts: an achievement no other children's writer has reached. Quentin Blake taught at the Royal College of Art, where he was Head of the Illustration Department before becoming a full time illustrator. He has collaborated with writers such as Russell Hoban, John Yeoman, and most famously Roald Dahl. He has also illustrated classic books for adults and created much-loved characters of his own such as Mr Magnolia and Mrs Armitage.