Backshall, Rachel: - "Rachel Backshall, BA Oxon, is a UK artist and illustrator recently graduated from Oxford University. She has exhibited her highly acclaimed silk paintings in London, Oxford and Liverpool - many of which are inspired by her research into specific archaeological sites during her degree. Her illustrations are inspired by the natural world and focus in particular on the wild and wonderful animals that appear both in reality, and in children's imaginations. She is particularly interested in the concept of imaginative play, looking at the way children visualise and develop games and stories. Acknowledging that human imagination plays such a vital part to all stages of our lives, Rachel hopes to capture some of these moments within her illustrations, and in particular to relate to the magical way that children bring their toys and games to life. Rachel has recently illustrated the prize winning Pearl of the Seas and Kris and Kate Build a Boat - The Magical Adventure for Garn Press author Ruth Finnegan, and has since been extremely honoured to work with Denny Taylor on Toodle-oo Ruby Blue as part of the Ruby Blue Series. She is currently working with both authors on future projects."