Gene Kemp (1926-2015) grew up in Staffordshire. She studied at Exeter University and became a teacher. Her first novel The Pride of Tamworth Pig was published in 1972.

She became best known for her Cricklepit stories including The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tyler which won her the Library Association's Carnegie Medal and the 1977 Other Award.

In 1984 she was awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree by Exeter University in recognition of her achievements.