Natalie Jane Prior is the author and editor of numerous books for children and young adults. Her work includes the classic picture book The Paw and its sequels (illustrated by Terry Denton), the internationally successful fantasy series Lily Quench, which has well over half a million copies in print and which was broadcast on BBC Radio in 2006, and The Minivers, a four book series published in Australia and the UK.

Her most recent picture book is Wandering Star, illustrated by Stephen Michael King. In 2018, Natalie was co-editor with her long-time agent, Margaret Connolly, of the critically acclaimed poetry anthology, A Boat of Stars, which includes new poetry and artwork by some of Australia's best known writers and illustrators - the first such anthology in many years. 

Books by Natalie have won the Aurealis Award (for fantasy and science fiction), the Davitt Awards (for crime writing), have been Honour, Shortlisted and Notable Books in the Children's Book Council of Australia Awards, and have won numerous children's choice awards. She lives in Brisbane with her husband, daughter, a well-behaved border collie, and an extremely naughty dachshund.

Janine Dawson initially worked in animation for a number of years before being lucky enough to discover the joy of children’s book illustration. Since then, she has been terribly busy illustrating a vast range of picture books and chapter books for trade and educational publishers. Working with inks and watercolour Janine loves observing the everyday nuances that make people and animals who they are.

Placing a strong focus on character she regularly draws inspiration from everyday life. She loves to notice things from a different perspective and bring that world to the page. Cats, dogs and small children are among her favourites and Janine has often been praised for the warmth and charm she portrays them with.

When she’s not illustrating books, Janine is busy painting watercolours, making zines, working on her comic, swimming and walking, all totally unplugged from any device so as not to miss out on the natural soundtrack of life. Janine currently lives in Sydney's Northern Beaches with her cat Bertie, who likes to help with office work, especially shredding.