Elif Balta Parks is a cheese lover, hamster admirer, chocolate connoisseur and a prolific Children's Book Illustrator. She grew up in Istanbul, Turkey next to the bright, blue Bosporus and even as a child knew she wanted to be an artist. She then also completed a degree in Business and went on to study at Central St. Martins School of Fine Art for a short time before embarking on her first books. Elif strives for bright, cheerful illustrations that capture the joy of childhood. Since starting her professional career she has illustrated over 60 Children's Books and is ready for so many, many more. As long as there is a warm chair, some tea and a cat around, she will be doing what she loves best. Illustrating.

Elif lives in Shropshire with her husband, their cat and Dean Martin (who is always singing from the stereo while she works.).