British-born John Shelley studied illustration at Manchester Polytechnic before coming a full time illustrator in London, co-founding Facade Art Studios in 1984. Inspired by Japanese art he moved to Tokyo in 1987. In Japan Shelley is well known for commercial illustration, however in recent years he's returned to his first love of children's books. Since his first major picture book The Secret in the Matchbox (1988) Shelley has illustrated over 30 children's books for both the Western and Eastern markets. A member of SCBWI since 2001, he helped launch the Tokyo Chapter in 2004. He's also Vice Chairman of the International Committee of JAGDA (Japan Graphic Designer's Association). Other than SCBWI, most of his spare time is spent with the two women in his life--wife Makiko and daughter Seren. www.jshelley.com