Elspeth was born during a snowstorm in Northumberland, England. After university, she became passionately interested in reading to her children and understanding how children learn to read. Elspeth began to write books for children -some with her husband, and fellow author, Mal Peet. Mal's stories became longer and longer and he went on to be an award-winning author of books for young adults.
Mal and Elspeth loved writing picture books together and continued to do so until Mal's death in 2015. The Treasure of Pirate Frank is one of the last picture books that they wrote together. Elspeth is still passionately interested in stories and the pleasure that there is in the simple act of reading. Elspeth lives in Devon with her dog Pedro.