Marie Langley is a freelance writer and editor working from her home in Golden Bay, in the topwest corner of the South Island. Marie's writing includes short stories, plays, poetry, teaching resources and non-fiction articles for publication. Pukeko the Performer is the second picture book Marie has written about this cheeky character - the first book, Pukeko, was published in 2006. Samer Hatam always knew he wanted to be an artist. While he produces paintings for adults, these are very different to the work he does when illustrating children's books. 'When I illustrate a book, I feel that I am part of the adventure. I find myself in the magical world that can be created through illustration.'