Karen grew up in Perth, Western Australia. She loves to illustrate the joys and adventures of childhood. She lives in Fremantle with her husband and two children and works part-time as a primary-school art teacher. Her characters are often inspired by her students and her own children.
Her award-winning books include Something Wonderful and Hello From Nowhere, by Raewyn Caisley; With Nan, by Tania Cox; Granny Grommet and Me by Dianne Wolfer; Me and You by Deborah Kelly; Baby Beats; and Baby Animal Farm.