Sally Gardner

Sally Gardner is a highly acclaimed British author and illustrator, best known for her work in children's literature. She has received numerous accolades for her writing, including the Costa Children's Book Award and the Carnegie Medal.

Gardner grew up and continues to reside in London, and is the daughter of two lawyers. Despite facing significant challenges in her early education, she went on to achieve great success in her creative pursuits.

Due to being dyslexic, Gardner did not learn to read or write until she was fourteen years old. She had been expelled from several schools and was labeled as unteachable. Eventually, she was sent to a school for maladjusted children. Despite these obstacles, Gardner went on to earn a degree with highest honors from a leading London art college and received a scholarship to a theater school. She then became a successful costume designer, working on notable productions. After the birth of her twin daughters and a son, she began illustrating and writing picture books and chapter books, often featuring fairytale or magical subject matter. Gardner has been hailed as an "idiosyncratic genius" by the Sunday Times in London.

Gardner's most popular works include "I, Coriander," "The Red Necklace," and "Maggot Moon." Her unique background and experiences have greatly influenced her writing, and she continues to be a prominent figure in the world of children's literature.