Debi Gliori facts for kids

Debi Gliori (born 1959) is a talented Scottish writer and artist. She creates many wonderful children's books, both writing the stories and drawing the pictures.

About Debi Gliori's Life and Career

Debi Gliori was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1959. She grew up there as an only child. Debi started her journey into children's books in 1976. Later, from 1979 to 1984, she studied art in Edinburgh.

After art school, Debi won a special scholarship. This allowed her to travel to Milan, Italy. Since 1984, she has worked as a freelance artist. This means she works for herself and takes on different projects.

In 1989, a well-known children's book publisher called Walker Books signed her. This was a big step in her career! A few years later, she also got an agent to help manage her work.

Debi Gliori has created many popular books for children. These include the much-loved Mr Bear picture book series. She also wrote the Pure Dead series for older kids. These books are a bit like black comedy, which means they are funny but also a little dark. Pure Dead Magic was her first novel in this series.

Debi has five children. She lives in Haddington, a town in East Lothian, Scotland.

Awards and Recognitions

Debi Gliori's books have won many awards!

• In 1997, her Mr. Bear book won the Red House Children's Book Award for picture books.
• Mr. Bear to the Rescue was a finalist for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1997. This medal is for amazing illustrations in children's books.
• Several Mr. Bear books, including Mr. Bear Babysits and Mr. Bear's Picnic, won Gold awards. These were given in the Petit Filous Best Toy Awards.
• Mr. Bear Says Goodnight was chosen for the Booktrust's Bookstart project. This project gives free books to babies and young children.
• Where, Oh Where, is Baby Bear? was a finalist for the Sainsbury's Baby Book Award in 2001.
• In 2003, Always and Forever, a book written by Alan Durant and illustrated by Debi Gliori, was also a finalist for the Kate Greenaway Medal.
• Her book Pure Dead Wicked was a finalist for the Scottish Arts Council Award in 2003.
• Stormy Weather was a finalist for the Royal Mail Award in 2010.

On November 6, 2018, Debi Gliori received a special honor. She was given an honorary Doctorate of Letter from Strathclyde University. This is a very high award for her contributions to literature.

The Tobermory Cat Story

Debi Gliori wrote a book called The Tobermory Cat. This book was inspired by two small cats. These cats are known as The Distillery Cats. You can see them on The Tobermory Distillery Sign.

There have been other creative works about a "Tobermory Cat." For example, an artist from the Isle of Mull, Angus Stewart, also created a book and Facebook page about a cat named Tobermory Cat.

Popular Book Series

Debi Gliori is known for her fun book series.

The Pure Dead Series

This series is for older children and has a unique, funny style.

• Pure Dead Magic (2001)
• Pure Dead Wicked (2002)
• Pure Dead Brilliant (2003)
• Deep Trouble (2004) (also known as Pure Dead Trouble)
• Deep Water (2005) (also known as Pure Dead Batty)
• Deep Fear (2006) (also known as Pure Dead Frozen)

The Witch Baby Series

This series follows the adventures of Witch Baby.

• Witch Baby and Me (2008)
• Witch Baby and Me Go to School (2009)
• Witch Baby and Me After Dark (2009)
• Witch Baby and Me on Stage (2010)

Selected Picture Books

Debi Gliori has illustrated and written many beautiful picture books for younger readers. Here are some of them:

• New Big Sister (1991)
• Mr. Bear Babysits (1994)
• Mr. Bear's Picnic (1995)
• No Matter What (1999)
• Mr. Bear's Vacation (2000)
• Where, Oh Where, Is Baby Bear? (2001)
• Tell Me What It's Like to Be Big (2001)
• Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep (2002)
• The Trouble with Dragons (2008)
• Stormy Weather (2009)
• The Scariest Thing of All (2011)
• The Tobermory Cat (2012)