I'm Gina Rees, a children's author and illustrator with a lifelong love of nature, wildlife and storytelling.

Before becoming an author, I studied marine biology and loved my time as an early years teacher. Sadly, Lyme disease meant I had to step away from teaching, but during my recovery, I discovered a new passion for writing and illustrating children's books. What began as a difficult time in my life became the start of an exciting new creative chapter after 50.

Nature is at the heart of everything I create. Each illustration is lovingly drawn and painted by hand using watercolours, ink and pencil. I enjoy bringing my stories to life through thoughtful little details that invite children to explore, imagine and discover something new with every page.

Through my books My Special Place and Holly and the Little Lost Octopus, I hope to inspire curiosity, kindness, confidence and a love for the world around us.

One of my greatest joys is sharing my stories with children through school visits, inspiring their imaginations, sparking curiosity and encouraging a lifelong love of nature, reading and creativity.

Thank you for being part of my journey!

Gina x