James John Mayhew is a well-known English illustrator and author of children's books. Brought up in Blundeston, Suffolk, on leaving school Mayhew studied at Lowestoft School of Art from 1982 to 1984, and then at Maidstone College of Art, graduating BA in 1987 with first class honours in illustration, followed by further studies in set design. He has published over 50 books. His first published work was Katie's Picture Show, beginning a long-running series about a girl who explores famous paintings by climbing inside them. There are currently 13 titles in the series, including Katie's London Christmas. In 2014 Mayhew completely reillustrated the first title for a 25th anniversary edition. A musical stage production of Katie and the Mona Lisa was successfully premiered at the Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon in April 2013. Other books include the Ella Bella Ballerina series, Miranda the Castaway, BOY, illustrations for the "'Mouse and Mole" books, "Koshka's Tales", Can you see a Little Bear? and Bubble and Squeak. 

January 1st, 1964 in Stamford (Age 60)