Kathryn Sands grew up playing in the forest of the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, Australia. She rode her bicycle all over the hills with her childhood companions, and together they played games of magic and imagination in cubby houses, beneath the tall fern trees, and beside the creek that meandered through her back garden. Animals were among her very closest friends.

She has recently embarked on a new career in education support.  Her two sons are now grown, and her adored grandchildren were the first to hear the story of Snolly and his love for strawberry jam.