Julie Lawson was born in Victoria, B.C. and graduated from the University of Victoria with an Honours B.A. in French. She lived and taught in France, travelled extensively, and settled in rural East Sooke on Vancouver Island. She taught elementary school for 18 years. She now writes full-time--both picture books and novels for children. She conducts writing workshops for all ages and teaches courses in writing for children. She reads regularly in schools and libraries and speaks at festivals, workshops and conferences.