[1] Born in a southeastern suburb of London, England, she started her career in drawing at the age of 12 designing Christmas cards.

[2] In the United States, Banks had a working relationship with the publisher Platt and Munk.

She illustrated many classic children's books including nursery rhymes, fairy tales and folk stories.

[2] After her move in later years to Southern California, she also became known for creating murals in various buildings, both private and public, in the Los Angeles area.

Her work included a mural at the Santa Monica Public Library, which has since been razed.