Julie Hunt loves storytelling and traditional folktales. Her stories combine other-worldly elements with down-to-earth humour. She loves travel and is fascinated by landscapes and the tales they inspire. This interest has taken her from the rugged west coast of Ireland to the ice caves of Romania where she collected ideas for her graphic novel, KidGlovz, illustrated by Dale Newman. KidGlovz won the 2016 Queensland Literary Award and her latest novel, Shine Mountain, was shortlisted for the 2019 NSW Premier’s Award. She has received many awards and commendations for earlier books, including winning Readings’ inaugural Children’s Book Prize for Song for a Scarlet Runner in 2014 and the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award for The Coat, illustrated by Ron Brooks, in 2013.

Photo courtesy of Allen & Unwin