Hello Twigs, Surprise!

Andrew McDonald writes books for kids, and is the author of the bestselling Real Pigeons series and the Hello Twigs series – both illustrated by Ben Wood and published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing. Andrew's aim is to write stories that make kids laugh, gasp and wonder about the world. His books have been shortlisted for prizes such as the Australian Book Industry Awards, the Readings Children’s Book Prize, and the YABBA, KOALA and KROC children’s choice book awards. Andrew holds a postgraduate diploma in RMIT’s Professional Writing and Editing program and also a Bachelor in Media Studies (Journalism), but prefers writing fiction to non-fiction these days. Andrew lives with his partner and their two children in Naarm/Melbourne. In his spare time, he enjoys baking his own bread, which he eats down to the last breadcrumb (sorry pigeons).

Ben Wood is the illustrator of the bestselling Real Pigeons series and Hello Twigs, a graphic novel series for young readers. Matched with stories that are funny and heartfelt, his lively illustrations reflect his love for graphic novels and animation. Ben’s books have been included on the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s ‘Notables’ lists, and shortlisted for the Readings Children’s Book Prize and the Australian Book Industry Awards. When not in the studio Ben speaks in schools and runs workshops about illustration. He lives in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia.