Peter Mayle is a British author best known for his series of books detailing life in Provence, France. He spent fifteen years in the advertising industry before leaving the business to focus on writing. A Year in Provence became an international bestseller. His novel A Good Year was made into a film directed by Ridley Scott and starring actors Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard. Peter Mayle lives in Provence, France. He has received numerous awards. British Book Awards named A Year in Provence Best Travel Book of the Year (1989) and Peter Mayle Author of the Year (1992). The French government made him a Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor) in 2002, for cooperation et francophonie. Arthur Robins is a popular illustrator whose work has appeared in countless advertisements, magazines and animations as well as more than fifty picture books. Peter Mayle described Arthur's work as "witty, surprising and, in its own weird way, charming. They should put up a statue to him in Guildford." He teamed up with Laurence Anholt for the very successful series and collection: Seriously Silly Stories.