UK-Canadian writer Simon Nicholson worked in theatre for a while before starting to write stories, mainly for children. Since then he has written books, plays and many episodes of internationally successful children's television shows. He has been nominated for BAFTA and RTS awards. Amongst other things, his stories have featured hotels, the dogs who fought in the First World War, two murderous Russian nannies, some squirrels and, most recently, the young Harry Houdini.