Born in Boston, Lincolnshire, Hilary McKay read voraciously from an early age and grew up in a household of readers. After studying Botany and Zoology at St Andrews University she went on to work as a biochemist, but always had a burning desire to write. After the birth of her two children, she decided to give it a go. Hilary now lives in a small village in Derbyshire with her family. When not writing Hilary loves walking, reading, having friends to stay and receiving letters from children.