Imelda Bell

Imelda Bell is an author and illustrator of children's books that help families talk about some of life's difficult subjects in a gentle, accessible way.

Born and raised in South Africa, Imelda has always had a deep love of wildlife and the natural world. Her connection to Africa continues to influence her writing, particularly her stories about rhinos and conservation, which are inspired by real animals and the people working to protect them.

Imelda also writes books that help children understand experiences that can be difficult or frightening. Drawing on her own experiences, she creates simple, reassuring stories that give children words to help them make sense of what is happening around them. Her books include *When Grandad Had to Go Away*, which explores the death of a grandparent, and *What to Wear Instead of Hair*, which helps children understand some of the changes cancer treatment can bring.

Her cancer books use a much-loved “Nasty Beast” character to give children a child-friendly way of exploring cancer and its treatment without making the subject frightening or overwhelming.

Imelda is also a professional photographer with more than 20 years of experience and is a trustee of Rhino Rescue UK, a charity dedicated to protecting rhinos and supporting conservation.

Whether writing about grief, illness or endangered animals, Imelda's aim is the same: to create books that children can understand, families can share, and that can open up important conversations.