Ann Pilling was brought up in Warrington, Cheshire and many of her books are set in the industrial North West. After reading English at London University, she taught in Buckinghamshire, then spent time in America before returning to England and settling eventually in Oxford. She is married with two sons. Ann has been writing books for children since 1983.

Whenever possible, Ann retreats to the Yorkshire Dales which she calls 'the country of my heart'.