Kaye Umansky was born in Plymouth, Devon, in 1946. Her mother was a music teacher, so she played piano and sang from an early age. She was an only child – and a big reader. She also tried her hand at writing stories. Her best ever present was an ancient typewriter, given to her when she was ten years old. She still has it in the loft. She came to London aged 18 to attend teachers’ training college. She taught in London primary schools in the 1970’s. She met her husband, a bass player, and they played in several semi pro soul bands. She still lives in north London, with her husband and two cats. She has a grown up daughter, three step children and three step grandchildren. Her first book, a song book entitled Phantasmagoria, was published in 1985. Since then, she was written over 140 titles, including the popular Pongwiffy series. She has written picture books, music books, musicals, plays, first readers and novels, all for the primary age range. Awards include the Nottinghamshire Book Award, the Times Educational Junior Music Book Award, the 2009 Stockton Book Of The Year and the Spoken Word Award. Favourite colour: red. Favourite food: cheese.