Illustrator, Ann James was born in Melbourn, Australia in 1952. The first book she illustrated was A Pet for Mrs. Arbuckle by Gwenda Smyth. Since then she has illustrated over forty books including the Penny Pollard series. Her work has won her several awards. Bernice Knows Best by Max Dann and Hannah Plus One by Libby Gleeson, won the CBC Junior Book of the Year Award, and The Midnight Gang, by Margaret Wild, was an Honour Book in the Picture Book of the Year, and won three Children's Choice awards in Australia. In 2002, James won the Dromkeen Medal which is awarded each year to an Australian citizen for work that 'makes a significant contribution to the appreciation and development of… children's literature.' Ann has also written and illustrated two picture books, Finding Jack and One Day. She was an Art teacher at Doveton High School and Ringwood High School, 1974-77. The former art teacher and graphic designer formed Books Illustrated, a children's bookshop and gallery, with partner Ann Haddon in 1988. They were the recipients of the Pixie O'Harris Award for Distinguished Service to Australian Children's Literature in 2000. Ann James was also the Ministry of Education's Publication Branch, Victoria, Australia. She has received numerous awards over the years including the CBCA Picture Book award shortlist in 2004, for Shutting the Chooks In.