Writer and illustrator Tracy Spiers is a PhD researcher in Art and Design at the University of Chester, looking into the value of playfulness. She started her career as cub reporter for a local newspaper in 1987, moved into radio and television broadcasting for the BBC and later feature writing for magazines, whilst gaining a first-class BA (Hons) and MA (Distinction) in illustration. She now combines the two disciplines and has published several history books for children and inspiring devotional journals for adults. A Modern Mrs Bennet, Tracy lives in Gloucestershire with her husband Rog and their five daughters. She can often be found running along canal and cycle paths.