Sam McBratney (1943–2020) was a writer from Northern Ireland. He wrote more than fifty books for children and young adults. He started writing children’s books when he was a teacher and is best known for his best-selling book Guess How Much I Love You. It is a story about two nutbrown hares who try to express their affection for each other. It is now one of the world’s best selling picture books. He also wrote are The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, which tells the story of three young mice who dare to go to the dark at the top of the stairs where the cat lives, and I’m Sorry, which explores the ups and downs of friendship.