The Umbrella

Niki Foreman (she/her) is the author and co-author of many award-winning and bestselling children’s books published in the UK, US and Australia; most recently, Planet Ark’s Now For The Good News, a CBCA Notable 2025. She is an accomplished editor and a lived-experience advocate for neurodivergent families. Niki is a presenter for the Australian Society of Authors on inclusive language, specifically around ableism and disablism, she is a member of the Australian Publisher’s Association D&I advisory board for neurodiversity and disability, and she is a mentor for aspiring book editors through an online education program.

Niki lives and works on the land of the Gubbi Gubbi people in the Sunshine Coast with her husband and two children, and spends much of her time trying not to trip over the cats.

Binny Talib is an award-winning author/illustrator based in inner-city Sydney. She has a whimsical, contemporary style and has illustrated over 30 books here and internationally, ranging from picture, baby board, non-fiction and chapter books. Her illustration work has attracted an honour award from the CBCA and a short-list medal from the Prime Minister's Literary Awards.
Her hand-drawn and playful illustrations have secured licensing deals across major Australian and International brands. Binny has illustrated her own wallpaper collection, textiles, children’s toys, fashion lines, interior design, books, album covers and greeting cards. Her agency background as an Art and Creative Director, as well as her honors degree in Visual Communications sets her apart in the world of illustration.
Binny works with her Border Collie under her feet, and there has never been a dessert she hasn’t liked, seriously.