Sofie Laguna's many books for young people have been published in the US, the UK, and in translation throughout Europe and Asia. She has been shortlisted for the Queensland Premier's Awards, and twice been awarded Honor Book by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA). She is also a highly acclaimed author for adults. Sofie lives in Melbourne with her husband, Marc McBride, and their two sons. Jeff Racklyeft creates a variety of illustrated things - picture books, paintings, prints, pins and cards - mainly in watercolors. She works from her studio at the beautiful Abbotsford Convent, and regularly has picnic lunches watching the neighboring sheep and horses! Her art often combines collage - either on paper or digitally assembled - experimentation and lots of watercolor. Sometimes she writes the books as well. Jess worked in publishing sales for almost a decade before making the leap to full-time illustration and writing, and since then has won several illustration accolades including CBCA Picture Book of the Year for Iceberg (written by Claire Saxby).

Her work can now be found in bookshops and libraries across Australia, and her days are happily spent in a messy studio creating books or visiting schools.