COMMENTS
from Eric, 2007, pencil on paper
INTERVIEWS
A selection of video, audio and print interviews published since 2000. You can also find some other answers to common questions at my FAQ page.
ESSAYS
2012, An lecture at the International Board for Books for Young People, IBBY Conference in London.
Lost & Found: Childhood and Identity
2011, Lecture presented in Stockholm as part of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award events, discussing the influence of childhood on creative interests, and presenting a general introduction to my books’ central t
Silent Voices: Illustration & Visual Narrative
2009 Colin Simpson Lecture for the Australian Society of Authors, looking at graphic novels (include some favourites) and the role of visual narrative in presenting ‘silent voices’.
Books for Young Readers in An Age of Crisis
2020, Acceptance speech for the Kate Greenaway Medal, 2020, on the importance of literature for young people in advancing critical thinking.
2002 essay on inspiration, influence, and development of The Rabbits, arguing against the idea of entirely original thought.
Picture Books: Who Are They For?
2002, an argument against the perception that picture books must be for younger readers only, looking at The Lost Thing and Red Tree as examples of multilevel narrative.
SEMI-FICTIONAL ESSAYS
2016, An introductory essay for a retropsective exhibition in regional Victoria, reflecting on feelings of remoteness and displacement.
An ‘outer suburbia’ story written for The Horn Book, 2008
ADVICE FOR NEW ILLUSTRATORS
Tips on artistic practice and getting published.
Check my FAQ page for further tips.
RESOURCES FOR ILLUSTRATORS
Some useful websites for picture book creators.
Welcome to the Picturebook Makers blog – where the world's finest picturebook artists take you behind the scenes. An excellent resource for the general reader and professional illustrator, where artists describe their processes and experiences.
SCBWI: The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
The international professional organization for authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults.
For Australian creators:
THE place to discover Australia’s best illustrators. In the years since it was first launched, the Style File has built a reputation for being a respected source of talented illustrators, willing and able to take on a wide variety of commissions.
A professional association for published illustrators and authors, but it also offers information and advice for non-members as well as mentorships and news about grants
Books Illustrated is a centre celebrating Australian children’s literature, in particular picture books and their creators. It has an interesting history that has culminated in a program of exhibitions promoting the work of Australian book illustrators throughout Australia and in international venues.
An educational centre for children’s literature based in Fremantle, Western Australia: a primary resource for learning about picture book creation when I began working as an illustrator.
A centre for books and writing with a public program based in Melbourne, with videos and podcasts.