`B.B', or Denys Watkins-Pitchford was born in 1905 in Northamptonshire. He studied at the Royal College of Art and was for many years the art master at Rugby School.

He wrote and illustrated many books for both children and adults, all of which reflected his naturalist's knowledge and passion for the countryside.

He is probably best known for BRENDON CHASE, published in 1944, THE LITTLE GREY MEN (for which he won the prestigious Carnegie Medal in 1942) and its sequel DOWN THE BRIGHT STREAM.