Nature lover, storyteller, furniture maker — and the person behind all these big-hearted adventures!
The Story Behind the Stories
Gina Frisby writes whimsical, big-hearted stories inspired by the animals and nature she loves — from curious moose and friendly bears to chatty geese and cheerful trolls from Norway.
She spends time by ponds and in forests, sketching and dreaming up adventures full of gentle humour, warmth, and a generous dash of magic. Gina also enjoys creating rustic furniture and original artwork, which appear as playful accents throughout her books.
Her stories champion friendship, self-acceptance, and wonder — perfect for cozy read-alouds and curious young readers. Whether you're 4 or 104, there's something in Gina's world for you!
The Little Trolls from Norway is based on a real experience! Gina and her family encountered troll lore and folklore during a trip that inspired the whole story — complete with a honeymoon adventure to Canada.
Jasper National Park in Alberta was the spark for Bruce the moose. Seeing a real bull moose in the wild — with his enormous, lopsided antlers — made Gina want to write a story about self-acceptance and beauty in imperfection.
When she's not writing, Gina creates beautiful handcrafted rustic furniture. She says working with wood is a lot like writing — you have to be patient, listen to the material, and trust the process!
Eugene's gentle, bumbling determination to make friends mirrors someone very real in Gina's life. She says we all know an "Eugene" — someone who tries their heart out and is so lovable for it.
Down on the Pond came from Gina's habit of sitting quietly near ponds and watching how all the animals interact. She says it's the best research — and incredibly relaxing!
Canada's stunning landscapes, wildlife, and multicultural warmth are woven into every one of Gina's books. She loves introducing young readers to the beauty of her home country.
Teachers and librarians have embraced Gina's books for their rich themes — self-acceptance, resilience, friendship, and environmental awareness make them perfect for classroom discussions at multiple grade levels.
Gina's original artwork and illustrations are featured throughout her creative work. Her whimsical style — warm colours, expressive animal faces, and beautiful nature scenes — perfectly matches the tone of her stories.
Gina is passionate about helping children find their own creative voice. She visits schools and libraries to run workshops where kids write, illustrate, and share their own mini-stories.
Gina is currently working on new adventures in the Gina Frisby universe! Sign up for the newsletter to be the first to know when new books, characters, and activities are released.
📸 More from Gina's World
Illustrations from Bruce and the Trouble with Antlers
💬 An Interview with Gina
A few questions from curious readers
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
"Honestly? Mostly from nature! I go for walks, sit near water, and watch animals being themselves. There's so much personality out there if you slow down and pay attention. A wobbly goose can teach you everything you need to know about resilience!"
Q: What do you hope kids feel when they read your books?
"I hope they feel seen. Whether it's Bruce being embarrassed about his antlers, or Eugene just really wanting a friend — those feelings are real and valid. And I hope they laugh a lot too!"
Q: What advice do you have for young writers?
"Write the story you wish existed. Don't wait until you're 'good enough' — the act of writing IS how you get good. And don't be afraid to make your characters weird and imperfect. That's what makes them lovable!"
