Elise Gravel is a Canadian author, illustrator, and cartoonist. She is best known for her humorous and whimsical illustrations and books for children. Her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, and books around the world. Gravel has written and illustrated over 30 books, including The Cranky Ballerina, The Worm, and The Big Book of Blob. She has also created a series of books about a character named Disgusting Critters, which explore the weird and wonderful creatures that live in our world. Gravel is passionate about encouraging children to explore their creativity and to express themselves through art. She has created a series of workshops and activities to help children learn to draw and to create their own stories. Gravel is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in children's literature. She has created a series of books featuring characters from different backgrounds and cultures, and she is a strong supporter of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement. Gravel's work has been praised for its wit, charm, and originality. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.