Gill Lobel

Gill Lobel was born in Coventry. She went to Manchester University to read English, and then to Leicester to study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. She has been a teacher for most of her working life mainly teaching English in comprehensive schools. She has also worked with children with Special Educational Needs, and as a Home Tutor for sick or excluded children.

Gill has now retired from full time teaching, although she still does some private tutoring, and spends most of her time writing. Her first book was Starlight (Tamarind), and in 2000 Orchard Books published Ellie and the Butterfly Kitten, illustrated by Karin Littlewood. This is a touching picture book about a close relationship between a small girl and her grandmother and the joy that being back with her own mother again brings. Gill's latest novel for Orchard Books is the gritty and thought-provoking story of the overweight Hazel and her battle with the beautiful school bully, Lauren. Both Hazel and Lauren discover there is more to each other than firsts meets the eye.

When she is not writing Gill likes gardening, walking and a wide variety of arts and crafts.

Gill lives in Leicester with her husband. She has two daughters, two grandchildren and nine step-grandchildren.