Allison is an illustrator, a collector of rare Russian blue whiskers and a tawny frogmouth admirer. She was shortlisted for the Children's Book Council of Australia 2019 New Illustrator Award for her work on her first picture book, The Singing Seal. Allison's long-term goals include finishing things she starts, starting things at the beginning, and getting to the bottom of Merv Lamington's obsession with pastries. A perfect day would include tiramisu, peppermint tea, and an endless supply of Palomino pencils.

Patch Barkly is a very good boy, and the official Affirm Press office dog. He enjoys sleeping under desks, eating scraps from the floor and, occasionally, writing picture books.