From stranded mermaids and flying camels to golden statues and dancing princesses, Jane Ray's distinctive style has established her as a successful picture book artist, recognised in Britain, Europe and the U.S.

Known mainly for her books for children, Jane has also designed greetings cards, posters and bookjackets.

Jane has worked with many authors, including Michael Rosen, Berlie Doherty, Jeanette Winterson and Vikram Seth. Her work is published by Walker Books, Orchard Books, Bloomsbury, and Transworld, amongst others, and recently she has illustrated several volumes for the Folio Society and a "Garden of Eden" for the Eden Project for the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Other work includes involvement in Seven Stories, the Centre for the Childrens Book in Newcastle.

Jane lives in North London with her husband (conductor David Temple) and their three children Clara, Ellie and Joe. She works in a studio at the end of the garden. She enjoys music, reading, gardening and general domesticity, and the company of friends, family and the two cats.

Jane has recently got involved in an exciting new project called 'In The Picture'. It aims to promote the inclusion of disabled children in early years picture books and stories. It is vital that all children can see something of themselves in their books and as an illustrator Jane has tried in the past to make her pictures inclusive in this way. For all sorts of reasons she has not found it easy and therefore is glad to be involved in a project that is tackling these challenges. Visit the website www.childreninthepicture.org.uk, which includes a piece by Jane called 'Still Invisible'.

Listen to a recent podcast interview with Jane at www.justonemorebook.com.

Jane is to begin work on a series of images for The Nightingale Project. She will produce a series of pictures for the Women's Intensive Care Mental Health Unit at St Charles Hospital in North Kensington.

Lots of exciting new books are in the pipeline - from fairies in dolls houses, Snow White, nursery rhymes and dancing cats and dogs - keep checking the website for more information.

Illustration magazine published a feature on Jane in their Summer 2006 issue. A copy of the article is available here