Sally Rippin was born in Darwin, grew up in South-East Asia and now lives in Melbourne, where she writes and illustrates full time as well as running workshops for both children and adults. Sally has published the popular Fang Fang books and illustrated Millie, by John Marsden, which was shortlisted in the 2003 CBCA awards. Sally is also the author of two Young Adult books published by Lothian: Chenxi and the Foreigner and Leopard Skin (both CBCA Notable Books); and is the illustrator of the picture books When It Is Time, published in 2004; What Makes Me Me (2005); Becoming Buddha (2005); and The Rainbirds (2006).