about the author
Phyllis Bordo
Phyllis Bordo is a retired English high-school teacher who enjoys reading to her grandchildren, volunteering at their school library, and volunteering at IBBY Canada's Reading With Newcomers program.
She created Lilly Esther to show children how to address fears and anxieties. Her hope is that the character will help children find ways to cope with worries and open discussions with their teachers, parents and peers on sensitive issues — in a humorous and loving way.
Lilly Esther Conquers the Worries, Quincey Loves Lilly Esther Forever and Lilly Esther, Queen of Magic were the first three books. In May 2024 Phyllis released Lilly Esther Rescues Her Park, the fourth installment.
Phyllis lives in Toronto, Ontario with her husband and two dogs, Cleopatra and Lilly Esther — named after the heroine of her stories.
what the books explore
Big feelings, gently held
Mental health
Naming what's hard, in a kid-friendly way.
Anxiety
Worries shrink when you say them out loud.
Grief & loss
Love stays, even when goodbye comes.
Imagination
The brave first step starts in your mind.
The story so far
Teacher
A classroom full of stories
Phyllis spent her career teaching English in high schools, watching how stories help kids name what they feel.
Grandma
Reading at home
Reading to her grandchildren reminded her of the books she wished existed for them — about real, tricky feelings.
Volunteer
Ibby Canada
She volunteers at Ibby Canada's Reading With Newcomers program and at her grandchildren's school library.
Author
The Lilly Esther series
Noticing how much children worry today, Phyllis created Lilly Esther to help kids face their fears with imagination and friendship.