Bruce Whatley trained as an illustrator in Manchester, UK, where one of his tutors was Tony Ross. Shortly after starting a family, Bruce found his niche in writing and illustrating for children. His children's books are very popular and his first book, The Ugliest Dog in the World, was an instant success and was listed as a CBCA Notable Book, 1993. His second book, Looking for Crabs, was shortlisted for Picture Book of the Year, 1993. Bruce continues to write and illustrate picture books. He has had much success with the picture books he has created with Jackie French, Diary of A Wombat and Pete the Sheep. Bruce and his wife live in Berry on the south coast of New South Wales.