Born in London, Ontario, Leslie earned her degree in English from York University. She has worked as Editor of KidsToronto as well as Associate Editor of Cottage Life Magazine for which in 2002 she earned a silver National Magazine Award. She continues to work as a freelance writer and editor since returning to London where she lives with her husband, two daughters, son, dog and cat.

Leslie Garrett is a national award-winning journalist, author and editor, based in London, Canada. She is the author of 11 children’s books, including a biography of renowned environmentalist David Suzuki and Earth Smart  on protecting the environment. Her books are widely available and well reviewed.

Her work has appeared in Chatelaine, Canadian Living, Today’s Parent and many other national publications. Her syndicated column The Virtuous Consumer runs monthly in City Parent, Big Apple Parent , About Families and a half-dozen other publications. She also writes The Virtuous Traveler, a syndicated column that appears in Travel News Today, the online newsletter of NBC travel editor Peter Greenberg and was syndicated in The Globe and Mail. Together her columns reach close to two million readers. Her work has garnered awards and praise, including a National Magazine Award (silver), a nomination for the Red Cedar Award, Our Choice Selection from the Canadian Children's Book Centre, and a number of Parenting Publications of America (PPA) Awards.

Leslie previously worked as an editor for two national award-winning magazines. She is a reliable, determined researcher and an exhaustive fact-checker. Leslie enthusiastically promotes her projects and has been a regular guest on such programs as City TV’s Breakfast Television, Roger’s Daytime, CBC Radio and NBC travel editor Peter Greenberg’s syndicated live weekly national radio show.

More information can be found about Leslie at www.virtuousconsumer.com

 

Books:

The Virtuous Consumer:
Your Essential Shopping Guide for a Better, Kinder, Healthier World
New World Library, 2007

Earth Smart
Dorling Kindersley UK, 2006

Helen Keller
Dorling Kindersley UK, 2004

The Story of Muhammad Ali
Dorling Kindersley UK March 2002

Super Kids Too!: More Young Heroes in Action
HarperCollins Canada 2001

Record Breakers: True Stories of This Century's Incredible Kids
HarperCollins Canada 2000

Super Kids: Young Heroes in Action
HarperCollins (Can) 1997,
also published as Kids In Action - Scholastic, 1999

• Short-listed for the Red Cedar Award

Here's what editors say:

"Leslie is a talented (and fast) writer, and a sensitive editor…. She is also a pleasure to work with: She’s creative and energetic, has a good sense of humour, and is able to work well under pressure"
     ― Ann Vanderhoof, Editor, Cottage Life magazine and PORTS Cruising Guides; author of national bestseller An Embarrassment of Mangoes

" Leslie Garrett is a pro – thorough, accurate, prompt, dedicated – and to this she adds humour and a engaging writing style that pulls in readers of all ages. She's a pleasure to work with."
     ― Marie Campbell, former children's book editor, HarperCollins Canada

"At a time when many of us are only becoming a bit conscious of the efforts needed to salvage our environment, Leslie Garrett comes up with practical ideas each month to ensure that our children and future generations are left with a world that they can live in. I am excited each month to include her column in About Families because I recognize the need to conserve and nurture this planet we call home."
     ― Mari Conners, Editor, About Families

"Our readers are interested in the concept of sustainable living; they're concerned about environmental hazards; they feel a responsibility to take care of our world for the sake of their children and grandchildren. Leslie Garrett provides us with wonderful columns on such vital diverse subjects as responsibly disposing of old electronic equipment, to non-toxic products pregnant women can use and consume. The Virtuous Consumer is a great asset to our publications."
     ― Helen Freedman, editor-in-chief, Big Apple Parent, Brooklyn Parent, Westchester Parent, Queens Parent

"Every week, I look forward to reading Leslie’s column, The Virtuous Traveler. Leslie doesn't just put the travel experience in perspective, she makes us think. And by providing thoughtful considerations and solutions, she helps us take the path towards being more responsible travelers."
     ― Peter Greenberg, travel editor for NBC’S TODAY Show and MSNBC; travel channel’s chief correspondent; syndicated radio host; author of The Travel Detective.

"Leslie Garrett has hit a nerve with The Virtuous Traveler. While her subjects are often serious, her writing is entertaining and informative. Every week I learn something valuable that I can use in my travels—whether they be across the sea or around the block. "
     ― Laura Hubber, Editor-in-Chief, Travel News TODAY

"I have consistently received positive feedback about Leslie’s column, her subjects and her writing style after each issue hits the streets. She is the most professional and adept writer that I have had the pleasure to deal with during my years as special sections editor at The London Free Press. She is a pleasure to work with and, more importantly, the readership responds wholeheartedly to her writing style."
     ― Jill Worthington, Special Sections Editor, The London Free Press

"Leslie is resourceful, highly self-motivated and organized. Furthermore, she is particularly sensitive in all aspects of her work, both in dealing with issues and in earning the respect and trust of her readers… "
     ― Plum Johnson, President, KidsCanada Publishing Corp.