Debi Gliori

Debi Gliori is a celebrated Scottish author and illustrator of children's books, renowned for her engaging storytelling and distinctive illustrations. Born in 1959 in Glasgow, she began her literary career in 1976 and pursued art studies at Edinburgh College of Art from 1979 to 1984. Following her education, Gliori received an Andrew Grant traveling scholarship to Milan, which further enriched her artistic perspective. Since 1984, she has been a full-time freelance writer and illustrator, creating over 80 books for children of all ages .

Among her notable works is the beloved picture book No Matter What, which has become a modern classic, and the Mr. Bear series, which won the Red House Children's Book Award for picture books in 1997. Gliori's writing often addresses themes of love, identity, and resilience, resonating with both young readers and adults. Her Pure Dead series, a collection of black comedy novels for older children, showcases her versatility and creativity in blending humor with adventure .

Gliori's reflections on her creative process and the role of stories in personal development are encapsulated in her quotes. She once said, “For me, stories were brothers, sisters and friends, filling the long hours between childhood and adolescence, holding up a true mirror in which I might find out who I was rather than a distorted reflection of who I was expected to become” . Another of her insights is, “Books are time machines, transporting us out of our own lives into other times and other places” . These sentiments reflect her belief in the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to connect readers with diverse experiences and emotions.