Giles Clare was born in Cornwall but spent most of his childhood in the Middle East, where his parents were both teachers. It was an unusual place to grow up: you don’t often find a live vulture and lion for sale in your local supermarket. His family often went on amazing adventures in the desert wilderness. As a teenager in Jordan, he loved visiting crusader castles, Petra and camping under the stars in Wadi Rum.

Giles studied English Literature and French at Cardiff University and worked in publishing and marketing in London before retraining to work as a primary school teacher.  He occasionally helps write text books, and he is currently working on his debut children’s novel Stellan in the Sombre World.  Giles lives in Cheltenham with his wife and two sons.