Mary Auld is a writer of children's information books, working over a broad range of subjects. She has been actively involved in music from an early age, both singing and playing the flute, on an amateur basis. She loves making music in a group, be that in an orchestra or a choir. Whether making music or writing children's books, her aim is to share her enthusiasm and inspire readers. Mary Auld is a pen name for Rachel Cooke, who is an honorary fellow of the English Association, in recognition of her editorial work in children's non-fiction.

• 1: What is literature?2: Who cares about old books?3: How was Gilgamesh epic?4: What sets poetry free?5: Can pop be poetry?6: Does a play need an audience?7: Who charged at windmills?8: What made Frankenstein horrifying?9: Is life really ... a dream?10: When is a dog a writer?11: Are fairy tales a bit ... grim?12: Could a monkey write Shakespeare?13: Quick-fire questions14: Glossary15: Find out more16: Index