Mary Ellis was born in Oxford in August 1962. She grew up in Switzerland but came to school in England at the age of 11. She trained as a primary school teacher at the Froebel Institute and then taught for ten years in schools within London.
Mary married Andy Ellis ten years ago. He is also a writer of children’s books, as well as being an illustrator. They have a three year old daughter, Matilda. Luckily, she still has an afternoon nap, giving Mary time to write in peace!