Polly Dunbar

Polly Dunbar is one of today’s most exciting author-illustrators, her warm and witty books captivating children the world over.

She started writing and illustrating at age 16, when she published two books, which she describes as ‘cartoon books inspired by teenage antics.’ After a foundation course in Norwich she went to Brighton University and graduated in 1999 with a degree in illustration.

Polly has gone on to write and illustrate many much loved picture books including Dog Blue, Flyaway Katie and Penguin. Polly is the daughter of the distinguished author Joyce Dunbar and together they collaborated on the picture book Shoe Baby. She is also the illustrator of My Dad's a Birdman and The boy who climbed into the Moon, both written by David Almond. Her bestselling book Penguin won the Nestle Silver Award 2007, Booktrust Early Years Award 2007, The Red House award 2008 and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Polly is the author and illustrator of Tilly and Friends, a humorous and engaging series of six books following the gentle dramas of a wise little girl and her animal friends.

Polly is also the co-founder of Long Nose Puppets, an award-winning theatre company, they have made successful adaptations of the books Shoe Baby, Fly Away Katie and Penguin. All three shows are currently touring the UK.

Polly lives and works by the sea, in Brighton.