Alison Jay was born in Hertfordshire, grew up in Derbyshire and studied graphic design in London where she now lives. After graduating she worked in animation for a short while but gradually started to working as an illustrator. Her commission's include a 48 sheet poster for B.T, a TV commercial for Kellogg's corn flakes and packaging on a new baby range for Crabtree and Evelyn. She has also illustrated lots of children's books and been nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal for her book Out of the Blue.