Rilla Alexander grew up in the country, in Australia, with her little sisters, Fiona and Emily. They had a sandbox and swings in the backyard, and a playhouse called Sunshine Cottage, which was made out of a rainwater tank. Nowadays, Rilla is an illustrator, author, and designer and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Steve, and their puppy, Spot. She has written many picture books and board books, including The New Rooster and Touchwords.