Charles Dickens (1812-70) is one of the most popular English authors of all time. His works include 15 novels and many sketches, travel books, and other nonfiction works. Dickens also wrote five "Christmas books." The first, A Christmas Carol, was published in 1843. Today, it is recognized as one of the most famous stories ever written.

Roberto Innocenti is a self-taught artist who has earned worldwide acclaim with such illustrated books as The House, Nutcracker, Rose Blanche, Erika's Story, The Adventures of Pinocchio, and The Girl in Red. In 2008, he received the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award for his contributions to children's literature. He lives in Florence, Italy.