Helen Mortimer has always loved words. After graduating, she placed her foot on the bottom rung of the publishing ladder and enjoyed every step of the climb until she had a fine view of the world of picture books! Her last position was at Oxford University Press where she worked for fifteen years, looking after authors and illustrators such as Lauren Child, Brian Wildsmith, Korky Paul, David Roberts and Fiona Woodcock. Since leaving Oxford University Press, Helen has relished having more time to write. She has written many books for children, including The Winter Wish, illustrated by Rachel Dean, and Omar and the Bees, illustrated by Katie Cottle. When not writing, Helen uses her skills as a freelance editor, working for a wide range of publishing clients. She lives in rural Oxfordshire.