Françoise Grard, born in 1957 in Morocco, has written over thirty books for adults and young readers. Her novels often centre on the theme of nature and home, which she considers to be integral characters in themselves. Stories emerge from the encounters of stone with foliage, ancient wall and earth, flowing and stagnant waters. Be it a childhood fairytale or a modern narrative, the adventure must begin somewhere, with someone stepping off the beaten path to contend with the unknown. Yvan and I is Grard’s first novel with La Joie de lire.