Rachna Gilmore

Rachna Gilmore is the critically acclaimed Governor General’s Award winning author of numerous books with multiple honours and awards. Her publications include picture books, early readers, middle grade and young adult novels, as well as adult fiction.

Rachna’s children’s books include the popular A Friend Like Zilla and the well-known Gita trilogy as well as Aunt Fred is a Witch. Rachna’s books are sold internationally with translations in French, Danish, German, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, Bengali, Chinese as well as several other languages.

Born in India, Rachna has lived in London, England, and Prince Edward Island. She now lives in Ottawa where she continues to plark (play, work, lark) at her writing, dreaming up weird and wonder-filled tales.

Previous titles by Rachna

When-I-was-a-little-girl

When-I-was-a-little-girl

"When I was your age, I never got so muddy jumping in puddles!" If that sounds familiar, you're bound to understand poor Lisabeth. She can't seem to do anything that measures up to the smug, perfec...

A Gift for Gita

A Gift for Gita

Gita and her family are in turmoil. During her grandmother's visit, Gita's father announces that he has received a job offer back in India. They have been living in North America for a few years, a...

Wild Rilla

Wild Rilla

A full-colour picture book about an ordinary girl who can magically turn herself into a feisty super girl who helps out. To most people Rilla seems like any kid who sometimes gets into trouble a...

Roses for Gita

Roses for Gita

"This is a lovely, gentle book. ... [It's] about the adjustment of one immigrant child, but it is also about the importance of beauty in life, and the ability of kindness to overcome isolation and ...

A Friend Like Zilla

A Friend Like Zilla

This is a brave book. Rachna Gilmore writes from inside the mind of a pre-teen child with unerring confidence ... masterful." - Quill & Quire

Nobby meets the older Zilla whe...

Lights for Gita

Lights for Gita

"The rich tapestry of emotions woven through this lovely story tugs at the most resistant heart. Priestley's vivid illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the story." The Brantford Expositor ...

Aunt Fred is a Witch

Aunt Fred is a Witch

Leila is about to spend a weekend with her Aunt Fred, whom everyone says is a witch. When the adults leave, Aunt Fred puts on a wild outfit and scoops Leila up onto her motorcycle. After a spectacu...