'Gay McKinnon has worked as a scientist, lecturer, glass artist, writer and illustrator. After growing up in rural Queensland, Gay studied science at the University of Queensland, later moving to Hobart and completing a PhD in eucalypt genetics. Throughout her scientific career she rescued, bought and borrowed children’s books and dreamed of writing and illustrating her own. Between 2000 and 2010, Gay juggled scientific research with running a small glass studio. She left science in 2010 and has illustrated several picture books since 2013. Gay is the author of over thirty scientific articles, two travel articles, and a book chapter on plant evolution. She lives in Hobart, Tasmania.' (Source : Walker Books Australia website)
