Ann James is an award-winning children's book illustrator who has collaborated with many authors and publishers to illustrate over 60 books. She works in a variety of mediums including pen and ink, watercolour, soft pastels, charcoal and collage. With her partner Ann Haddon, Ann established Books Illustrated in 1988, a gallery focused on promoting Australian picture books and their creators. Together they were awarded the 2000 Pixie O'Harris Award for Distinguished service to Australian Children's Literature. In 2003 Ann received the Dromkeen Medal. Ann is a founding Board member of the Australian Children's Literature Alliance. She lives and works in Melbourne, Australia.