Shirley Waisman is based in Israel, where she lives with her husband, three teenage sons, and her 95-year-old father. Thankfully, Sofi, the family’s beloved dog, keeps the girl power alive! Shirley holds a BA in Art and Design and an MA in Education of the Arts. Early in her career, she was awarded a two-year research scholarship from Kyushu University in Japan, where she explored the world of Japanese children’s book illustration.

With over eighty published picture books, Shirley has collaborated with a variety of traditional publishers worldwide, including several in the U.S. She currently serves as the Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Israel. Her first book as both author and illustrator, Good Old Days Grandpa, was recently published by Tal May Publishing. Now, she is focusing on developing her own stories and expanding her role as both an illustrator and writer.

When she’s not illustrating, Shirley loves practicing Pilates, traveling to new places around the world, and trying new delicious food.