Banjo and Ruby Red

Libby Gleeson

Libby Gleeson grew up in a number of country towns in Australia. She trained as a teacher, but gave it up to travel and to write. She lived in Europe and England for five years, but has since returned to Australia, where she writes full-time. Libby has written more than thirty books for young readers, including picture books, junior fiction, fiction for older readers and non-fiction. Libby’s work has received high acclaim both internationally and in Australia and has won many awards. Her books have been shortlisted nine times for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards and Libby has won several times with Hannah Plus One (Fiction for Young Readers Book of the Year 1997), An Ordinary Day (Picture Book of the Year 2002) and Amy and Louis (Early Childhood Book of the Year 2007). Libby received the prestigious Lady Cutler Award for Services to Children’s Literature in 1997.

Freya Blackwood

Freya Blackwood was born in 1975 in Edinburgh, Scotland and grew up in Orange in NSW, Australia. Before she became a children’s book illustrator, she worked as a special effects artist, notably working on The Lord of the Rings trilogy from 2001 to 2003.

She began illustrating children’s book in 2002. Her stunning and iconic illustrations perfectly capture the warmth and complexity of growing up. While warm and classic, her style has a unique quality that renders her work instantly recognisable. Her work has captured international attention and a swag of awards and nominations. These include the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal (2010), which is the UK’s most prestigious award for children’s illustration, and the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award – Early Childhood (2007).

Her most recent books are Maudie and Bear (2010), Harry and Hopper (2009), Her Mother’s Face (2009) and Amy and Louis (2006). Freya lives in Orange, NSW, with her daughter, Ivy.

Visit her website: http://www.freyablackwood.com.au/