William Grill is one of the emerging stars in the British picture book scene of recent years. Graduated from Falmouth University, he has earned, despite his youth, various awards and distinctions.
He has participated in the prestigious magazine Nobrow, has worked for Harrods and several of his illustrations have appeared in newspapers such as the New York Times. Although Shackleton's Journey is his first published book, it has earned him unanimous recognition as one of the best young European illustrators.

He has received numerous awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2015; the award for the best illustrated book in 2014 by the New York Times magazine; the Best Children's Book in 2014; Wall Street Journal Best Children's Book in 2014, Brain Pickings; in 2015 the USBBY Outstanding International Book. He has recently been awarded the Bologna Ragazzi Award in the Non-Fiction category by The Wolves of Currumpaw.