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Get the lowdown on the popular children's author and political cartoonist By Sophie Roberts 17th November 2017, 9:17 am Updated: 17th November 2017, 9:17 am CHRIS Riddell is an author and illustrator. The 55-year-old has received many accolades for his work over the years, including being appointed as the UK Children's Laureate in 2015. Here's what we know... Chris Riddell is the creator and illustrator of dozens of children's books Getty - Contributor Chris Riddell is the creator and illustrator of dozens of children's books Who is Chris Riddell? Chris Riddell was born in Cape Town, South Africa but was raised in England. As a child, he was very artistic - admiring the work of John Tenniel, who provided the art for Alice in Wonderland. Pursuing his passion for drawing, he studied illustration at Brighton Polytechnic. He later went on to work as a political cartoonist for The Economist in the 1980s and The Observer from 1995. The award-winning author has also worked as a political cartoonist Getty - Contributor The award-winning author has also worked as a political cartoonist What are some of Chris Riddell's best books? The dad-of-three, who lives in Brighton, is the author of dozens of books. He specialises in children's novels and has penned works including Puzzle Boy, The Wish Factory, The Emperor of Absurdia and Ottoline and the Yellow cat. Chris' other noteworthy works include Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse, which won the Costa Book Awards. Which books has Chris Riddell illustrated? As well as penning and providing artwork for dozens of his own original stories, Chris has worked as an illustrator for other authors. He has provided sketches for children's authors Paul Stewart and Kathryn Cave. Impressively, Riddell's illustrations can even be seen on special editions of Peter Pan, Treasure Island and JK Rowling's The Tales of Beedle The Bard. Why has Chris Riddell accused John Lewis of plagiarism? Chris Riddell believes there are many similarities between the two stories Chris Riddell Chris Riddell believes there are many similarities between the two stories Chris Riddell claims there are similarities between his 1986 book Mr Underbed and John Lewis' Moz the Monster ad. He wrote on Twitter: "John Lewis helps themselves to my picture book." Despite this, the retail giant has hit back claiming the story is "utterly different". The author told the Guardian: "The idea of a monster under the bed is by no means new but the ad does seem to bear a close resemblance to my creation – a big blue unthreatening monster who rocks the bed and snores loudly. "Needless to say, I think Mr Underbed is a lot more appealing than Moz, but of course, I’m biased." A John Lewis spokesperson claims that the story did not influence their advert John Lewis A John Lewis spokesperson claims that the story did not influence their advert A John Lewis spokesperson said: "The story of a big hairy monster under the bed which keeps a child from sleeping is a universal tale which has been told many times over many years. "Ours is a Christmas story of friendship and fun between Joe and Moz The Monster, in which Joe receives a night light which helps him get a good night's sleep. "The main thrust of our story is utterly different to Chris Riddell's." Children’s Chris Riddell author accuses John Lewis of ripping off his book Mr Underbed More on children's books LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX, BABY Mum is stunned to find a VERY graphic children's book about sex at the doctor's PICTURE THIS Can you guess these six classic children's books from just these emojis? 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