Featuring the picturebook art of children’s writers & illustrators
Leigh Hobbs, Ann James, Gabrielle Wang & Mark Wilson

OPENING & BOOK LAUNCH AT DROMKEEN GALLERY

Sunday, 12th November, 12:45 – 2:00 pm

Followed by

2:00 – 3:00 pm

‘Drawing Our Wild Creatures’ Workshop with Mark Wilson

RSVP: bernadette@dromkeen.com.au

(for both Opening & Drawing Workshop)

PLEASE NOTE: ALL BOOKS, ORIGINAL ARTWORK, PRINTS & CARDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE ON THE DAY

Authors & Illustrators

Leigh Hobbs

Leigh Hobbs is an iconic figure in the world of children’s literature and was Australian Children’s Laureate in 2016-2017. His quirky characters, such as Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona Pig and Mr Chicken have become beloved household names. Leigh’s whimsical illustrations and witty storytelling bring a delightful and humorous dimension to his books, making them cherished by readers of all ages.

A popular TV series based on Leigh’s Old Tom books was created and shown on ABC TV and in 2013 Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art adapted his book Mr Chicken Goes To Paris for the stage. It is a popular title sold in the Musee du Louvre bookshop in Paris. Leigh has been shortlisted three times for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award (for Mr Chicken Goes to Paris, Horrible Harriet and Old Tom’s Holiday) and his books have won every major children’s choice award in Australia.

 

Ann James

Ann James is a celebrated and highly awarded Australian illustrator and author, whose enchanting illustrations have captivated young readers over many decades with their imaginative and visually stunning qualities. Her beautiful work has featured in more than 60 picture books, written by many top Australian authors. Ann received the Dromkeen Medal in 2022 and also became a  Member of the Order of Australia in 2021, for her incredible services and advocacy for Australian children’s literature.  Ann’s work features in a permanent collection of Australian children’s picture book illustration in the Lu Rees Archives in the University of Canberra, the Dromkeen Collection in the State Library of Victoria, the Dromkeen Collection in Riddells Creek and the Albert Ullin Collection in the National Gallery of Victoria.

Gabrielle Wang

Born in Melbourne, of Chinese heritage, Gabrielle Wang is a highly talented Australian children’s book author and illustrator. Known for her engaging and heartfelt stories, her captivating work often explores themes of cultural identity, family and the supernatural, taking readers on enchanting journeys filled with mystery and wonder. Gabrielle’s evocative storytelling and beautifully crafted characters make her books a must-read for young audiences, as well as those young at heart.

Gabrielle has written more than twenty books for young readers including her most recent book, Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon, released in June 2022. Many of her books have been shortlisted for awards, from the Prime Minister’s Award to children’s choice awards such as the Yabba and Koala Awards. One of Gabrielle’s most popular books A Ghost in My Suitcase won the 2009 Aurealis Award and was made into a stage play by Barking Gecko Theatre in 2018. She was also the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2022 and 2023, touring the country, inspiring young readers in the power of reading and also acting as a national and international ambassador for Australian children’s literature.

Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson is a gifted, multiple award-winning author/illustrator with twenty-three books in print worldwide. He grew up with a love of comics and drawing and a passion for Australian history and the environment, particularly endangered species; exploring these themes through his beautiful picture books and inspiring workshops.

Mark has won five Royal Zoological Society of N.S.W (Whitley) awards for children’s literature, nine CBCA Children’s Book Awards, including a 2015 CBCA Eva Pownall Notable Children’s Book Award for The Afghanistan Pup.
He also has three Wilderness Society Picture-book  Awards and was shortlisted in the 3rd C.J. Picture-book Awards International. Mark also received the 2011 Dromkeen Medal for Services to Children’s Literature. More recently his picture book, Votes For Women: the story of Nellie, Rose and Mary was a Notable Book in the CBCA 2023 awards.

Mark has also been author/illustrator in residence at the Dromkeen Gallery for  8 years and has encouraged and inspired thousands of students and also emerging authors to study their own family history, Australian native species and habitat and also to have confidence in their own writing and illustrating.

Picture-Book Launch of 'Caroline' By Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson’s new picture-book ‘Caroline’ will be launched during the opening by Cristina Pase, senior editor at Windy Hollow Books. Followed by refreshments, book & print signings & sales.

Mark Wilson will hold a workshop for children of all ages at 2 pm, “Drawing our Wild Creatures”.

 

RSVP: bernadette@dromkeen.com.au