Our author for the month of January is Tom Percival. He had an unconventional childhood in a remote and beautiful part of South Shropshire and this is what first got him interested in writing and drawing. Tom is now a writer, artist, video producer and musician. He is the author of many bestselling picture books, including the six titles in his award-winning Big Bright Feelings for Bloomsbury (Perfectly Norman, Ruby’s Worry, Ravi’s Roar, Meesha Makes Friends, Tilda Tries Again and Milo’s Monster). He lives in Gloucestershire with his partner, their two children and a dog called Luna.

His favourite books are The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter, and The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. ‘Both books have a magical atmosphere which I find is just incredible – so rich and involving. I love the way that the magical suggestions flit in and out of the everyday events of the stories.’

You can watch his stories on CBeebies Bedtime stories here and here.