Anne Wild is the author and illustrator of more than twenty books for children in the hands-on learning genre, ranging from making mathematical models to mobiles, code-breaking to creating pop-up books. Published by Tarquin Publications, a number of these have been translated into French, German, Spanish, Greek, Arabic, Indonesian and Chinese, and this experience became the turning point which encouraged her to start her own business venture.

From 1986 to 2009 she ran her publishing company, Anne Wild Design, which supplied retail outlets, such as the National Trust, with gift stationery. She also exported products to many countries abroad and exhibited her work and demonstrated her technique on seven separate occasions in Japan, where many of her original paintings have been collected.

Born in East Africa, Anne had an adventurous childhood and was sent to England for studies at the age of 14. Later, Anne studied Graphic Design at Liverpool College of Art and then completed a B.Ed at Bristol University. She taught art for a number of years at Northgate Grammar School for Girls in Ipswich, and then part-time at Felixstowe Ladies College after her children were born. She also freelanced from home, accepting many commissions, ranging from designing stained-glass windows for local churches (two of which were unveiled by the Princess Royal) to producing designs for cross stitch kits for the Danish Embroidery Company (Permins).

Now retired, Witchwater Tarn is Anne’s first venture into children’s literature.