Leila Rudge was born in England and grew up making mud pies with six siblings and Jeni from number 15. After completing an Illustration Degree at Bath Spa University, Leila headed to Australia to seek her fortune (and the sunshine). Creating tiny characters for books is her favourite part of illustrating. ‘Duck for a Day’ has been shortlisted for the 2011 CBCA Book of the Year Award – Younger Reader’s Category.