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About the author and proprietor:

Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, I spent many years working in the inner city, as an Education Welfare Officer. I moved to Shetland with my family and menagerie of 6 cats and 2 dogs as the Braer oil spill disaster and one of the worst winters in years hit Shetland.

We lived in an ancient croft house on Papa Stour, one of the more sparsely-populated islands, with a population hovering precariously around 25 people. Papa Stour has probably nurtured more authors per square mile than anywhere else in the world, her amazing scenery and cliffs lying in the tail end of the Gulf Stream.

The Peerie Bear books were inspired by island life here. My daughter, then aged 11, was one of only two pupils at the primary school and, with no shop on the island, all goods either came in by ferry boat or involved a day trip to the Shetland mainland, as did visits to the doctor, dentist, etc.

At the age of 12 Sara went to school on the mainland of Shetland, travelling back each weekend. This life fascinated friends and relatives down ‘South’, many of whom thought us quite insane to up-sticks and move to such a remote place. Needless to say, those who visited, without exception, wanted to stay forever!

It was in portraying these strange routines of our life, via little illustrated ‘booklets’ to my niece, that Peerie Bear came to life. He’s a member of the family now, having lived with him for so long. It was always a dream of mine and fellow artist Anne Barron (Wild About Art) to have the books published as a joint project. However, following rejection after rejection from publishers, who often did not even read the manuscripts, I approached the Shetland Arts Trust for help. They were very enthusiastic and, along with a helpful bank manager, we were soon under way.

It was decided that a Shetland artist was required, and I remembered back in the mists of time that a friend of my daughter, Eve Eunson, had illustrated a manuscript, "Peerie Bear and The Fire Festival", as part of a school art project. Eve is lucky to have one of those mothers who saved everything their child ever drew, so after much rummaging in attics and wardrobes, the illustrations were found. The rest, as they say, is history! Eve went on to illustrate ‘You’re a hero, Peerie Bear!’ and began her successful ( I hope) career as an illustrator – and still only at college! The next four books in the series will be published as soon as possible, thanks to increasing demands from fans young and old alike.

I am very proud that the books were written, illustrated, printed and published here in Shetland (although, publishers, I’m still willing to talk to you!)

Gillian Fox

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This project has been supported by Shetland Arts Trust