Alexander McCall Smith is one of the w orld's most prolific and popular authors. He has won numerous awards for his writing, including the British Book Award Author of the Year Award and a CBE for services to literature. Sam Usher has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Prize and the Red House Children's Book Award and longlisted for the Kate Greenaway medal. He is particularly admired for his technical drawing skill and prowess with watercolour.