Feel free to email us your questions or feedback at simonandrosiebook@gmail.com.
Lucy Moonen
Lucy is a history teacher and mother of two small girls. Lucy adores children’s fiction: her parents thrillingly handed over more than fifty 1980s-era picture books lovingly preserved in a box in the attic when her first daughter was born (no baby equipment had been kept, however – all you need is books). This fixation is perhaps unsurprising as the family was headed up by Watership Down author Richard Adams, Lucy’s grandfather, until he sadly died in 2016.
The idea for Simon and Rosie came together after a walk in Oxford’s University Parks during which Lucy’s eldest daughter insisted on sitting on every one of the three-zillion benches, and announced that one of them “has eyes”. The book has been written in the gaps around meal times, nap times, tidying up times, and gin times. Please enjoy it, share it, and – if you can – donate to our heroic NHS.
Gillian Johnson
Gillian is a prize-winning author and illustrator who has published over 35 books for children and adults. Her work has been translated into eight languages.
A qualified teacher and former National team speed-skater, she has taught English, creative writing, how to draw and write children’s books, as well as canoeing, swimming, and boating safety.
Simon and Rosie, written and illustrated during the 2020 lockdown, is a thank-you to the NHS, as well as to front-line health workers worldwide. It is also a tribute to Gillian’s father and sister, both medics. Having served on the Atlantic convoys in WW2, Gillian’s father was a doctor and elected political reformer in Canada who helped implement medicare in Manitoba. He administered the first free polio vaccine in the province.
See more of Gillian’s work: gillianjohnson.co.uk