Lydia Monks is a bestselling illustrator and author of children’s books, based in Sheffield, who has collaborated with many authors on both picture book and fiction titles.

Lydia is probably most well known for her collaborations with author Julia Donaldson, including SHARING A SHELL, THE SINGING MERMAID, and the WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD series (Macmillan), which has sold millions of copies and been translated into 25 languages worldwide. A stage adaption of What the Ladybird Heard, was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2022. THE TOOTH FAIRY AND THE CROCODILE, the latest picture-book from Lydia and Julia, published in 2024.

Lydia has also worked alongside other authors and collaborators, including Baroness Floella Benjamin by providing illustrations for WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS and HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES AND TOES (Macmillan). During the Coronavirus pandemic, Lydia collaborated with Professor James G Logan from The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to create the free, downloadable DR. DOG series, to educate and reassure young children about Coronavirus.

Lydia has authored and illustrated the TWIT TWOO SCHOOL series (Macmillan), AAAARRGGHH, SPIDER! and I WISH I WERE A DOG (Egmont). Lydia also wrote and illustrated ADOETTE (Andersen Press) a beautiful tale of the life of one tree, from a young sapling to a mighty oak.

Lydia’s latest title, SIX QUEENS (Macmillan), is a brilliantly illustrated guide to the iconic queens of Henry VIII.

Lydia’s long list of awards includes the Smarties Award, the Royal Mail Scottish Children’s Book Award, the Stockport Children’s Book Award, the Specsaver, Nielsen Gold Bestseller Award, the Red Big Book Award and the Pan Mac Award.