Tracey Radford

Tracey Radford is a former journalist turned kids' craft writer, who loves making things out of ordinary, everyday stuff that usually gets recycled or thrown away. This simple approach to encouraging creativity is at the heart of her two children's craft books, 'Make Your Own Zoo' and 'Make Your Own Farm Animals'.

All the projects in the books are about transforming cardboard tubes, egg cartons and cereal box card into animals and scenery. There's so much kids can make from simple materials they already have around the house. It's inexpensive, environmentally friendly and perfect for grown-ups and kids to do together. Delve into Tracey's books and you'll never look at an empty egg carton in the same way again!

Tracey started making animals with her children while her husband was away in Afghanistan for a year. It soon become more than just a distraction, and as the collection grew, so did the idea to write craft books.

The first animal Tracey ever made was a lion called Brian - she's always had a bit of a soft spot for him, so made him the star of her first picture story book, 'Brian the Lion goes into Space' - a fun space adventure with blue gnomes, a dragon called Norris and rainbow coloured food! All the picture scenes in the book are made from the recycling.

Tracey lives near Hereford with her husband and three children.