Discover Newcastle's authors and illustrators who are doing it for the kids
If you love reading to your children or encouraging them to pick up a book in their spare time than you're going to love this list of children's literature. It's not just any list, however, browse down below and what you'll discover are writers and illustrators who call Newcastle home.
Thanks to Amanda Shirley at MacLean's Booksellers we've collated an extensive list of book titles that cover all age groups and interests and will be sure to get your kids appreciating the talents of our local writers and illustrators, starting with...
Theodore the Unsure
Written by Pip Smith this beautifully illustrated book was done by none other than Newcastle based illustrator and artist Beau Wylie.
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“My friend Pip and I had come up with the story. It was back when they were talking about the referendum for gay marriage, and how the government was being really indecisive. At the time, I’d also started a poll online about whether or not I should cut my hair. That basically became the premise for the book, and it has no relation to any of that really apart from that indecisiveness,” Beau said.
Dugong Magic
Author: Deborah Kelly | Illustrator: Lisa Stewart
A gorgeous new picture book that tells the story of one of our most endangered animals, Deb's storytelling craft recently saw her shortlisted for the CBCA awards for her junior fiction novel - The Thing About Oliver.
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Maddies First Day
Author: Liz Anelli
Illustrator extraordinaire, Liz has so many books its difficult to select just one for this list, however, it was difficult to go past Maddies First Day, which tackles all those going to "big" school for the first time moments.
Be sure to check out Liz's website which holds her beautiful collection of maps, murals, graphics, illustrations and children's books.
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Isla’s Family Tree
Author: Katrina McKelvey
A favourite of Amanda's, Katrina's latest picture book, Isla’s Family Tree, is the story of one mum's creative approach to those tricky questions we often face when families begin to grow.
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Tree (Lessons of a LAC)
Author: Lynn Jenkins
Illustrator: Kirrili Lonergan
Released in January 2020, this is children’s illustrator and art therapist, Kirrili Lonergan's new book, and is the next in the Lessons of a LAC which is a series of resource picture books to help kids navigate life and difficult times.
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You Can’t Find Me
Author: Nicola Bolton
Painter, illustrator, photographer, and author Nicola Bolton is passionate about depicting rural and coastal Australian landscapes and Nicki’s latest book You Can’t Find Me is the follow-up to her previous CBCA Noteable Book - You Can’t Catch Me.
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A Boy and a Dog
Author: Shae Millward | Illustrator: Jenni Goodman
Freelance illustrator and Newcastle local Jenni Goodman loves nothing more than capturing simple beauty and timeless characters with her art focusing on nature, people and animals. in addition to her most recent book, A Boy and a Dog Jenni illustrated the 55th Anniversary Colin Thiele classic, Storm Boy.
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Once Upon a Small Rhinoceros
Author: Meg McKinlay | Illustrator: Leila Rudge
Another Newcastle local who has a long list of gorgeous children's books to her name this is a beautiful story of one very adventurous Rhino. Another one of our favourites of Leila's is 'Gary', which is the story of a grounded racing pigeon. Check Leila's website for all her books, illustrations and scribbles.
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Turkish Charlie Ryan: Canakkale's Anzac Hero
Lillian Webb is another Newcastle based illustrator and designer whose long and diverse list of titles again makes it difficult to choose a standout. However, the remarkable story of Turkish Charlie Ryan, Canakkale's Anzac Hero is a story that all children should be introduced to with Lillian's lavish illustrations helping to tell the story.
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