Lydia Monks

As a child

Lydia was born in Surrey, but grew up in Northampton. She spent a lot of her time drawing horses. Then, having decided to be a fashion designer, she went on to designing clothes. But, having no interest in sewing, Lydia decided to stick to drawing. She has a sister who is also good at drawing. They had a few pets, including an adopted stray cat called Pussy, who Lydia used to try and kick when she was in a strop!

As an adult

Lydia did a foundation course in Northampton, then an HND in graphics at Lincoln, before a degree in illustration at Kingston University. She lived and worked in London for the next ten years, sometimes from home and sometimes from shared studios. In 2002 she moved to Sheffield, where she lives with her husband.

As an artist

After leaving college, Lydia worked for many different newspapers and magazines, including The Times, The Evening Standard and Just 17. Lydia had always wanted to illustrate children’s books and as no one could find a book for her to illustrate, she decided to write her own. It was called, I Wish I Were a Dog, and it won the Bronze Smarties Prize in 1999. Since then, she has worked on over forty books: some of her own and some by other people, including Roger McGough, Carol Ann Duffy and Julia Donaldson.

Things you didn't know about Lydia Monks

1. She has ginger hair.
2. She goes to tango classes.
3. She has a sister called Julie who also illustrates children’s books.
4. She doesn’t have any pets but would like some.
5. She always talks to cats in the street.
6. She listens to the radio all day while she works.
7. She has won medals and trophies for Irish dancing.
8. She used to have an old, green car that was born in the 1970s, which people used to laugh at.
9. She uses teeny, weeny brushes to work with.
10. She has a husband who is also an illustrator.