Jane Ray was born in London and trained at Middlesex University, where she studied for a degree in 3-D Design (Ceramics). She began her career designing greetings cards and wrapping paper.

Jane's detailed, colourful and exquisitely-realised illustrations have made her one of the most acclaimed contemporary children's book illustrators. Her books include Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, The Story of the Creation, which won the 1992 Smarties Book Prize, Hansel and Gretel and The Bold Boy.

She has been shortlisted four times for the Kate Greenaway Medal for the following titles: Noah's Ark, The Story of Christmas, The Happy Prince and Fairy Tales.

Jane is married to the conductor David Temple and has three children.