Susan Gates was born in Grimsby. As a youngster she read lots of science fiction and American literature and then studied it at university. Before she became a writer she spent ten years in schools in Africa and England, in technical colleges and on literacy schemes. She has three children and lives in County Durham. Juan Bautista Juan Oliver, known professionally as Juanbjuan Oliver, is a Spanish book illustrator. From an early age, he drew magical creatures, monsters and fantastical machines. One summer, he even created an entire "monster catalogue," foreshadowing his future path. He graduated in Illustration from the Escola d'Art I Superior de les Illes Balears. He then spent several years working as a painter and street portrait artist. In 2013, he earned a five-year degree in Painting from the University of Salamanca. He began his professional career as a book illustrator in 2011, while still completing his studies. Today, Juanbjuan focuses primarily on illustrating children's and young adult books for publishers worldwide. He has illustrated more than 200 books across over 14 countries. "I realized that this was my path: to channel my creativity and energy into storytelling as an illustrator. This way, I can reconnect with the magical feelings of my childhood and share them through my art."
Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Book banded for guided and independent reading, there are reading notes in the back, comprehensive teaching and assessment support and ebooks available. Claw works as part of a big machine in a cake factory, but he dreams of more - he wants to find a friend. When he escapes his machine and heads out into the real world, will he find it easy to fit in? Copper/Band 12 books provide more complex plots and longer chapters that develop reading stamina. Ideas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.