Publisher's synopsis
One tall tree on the mountain once marked Grandfather’s farm. Now there is a busy city and Grandfather lives with us in our apartment.
Once he told stories but now he stays silent. Until one day, in the city market, I find something precious . . . something that brings Grandfather’s memories alive again.
A touching and uplifting story about love, change and the importance of the natural environment in all our lives.
Christopher Cheng dwells in an inner-city Sydney terrace and writes fiction and non-fiction for children full time. He taught in city and outback schools for a number of years and at Taronga Zoo. He is Co-Chair of the International Advisory Board for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and has a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature. He presents to people of all ages at schools and festivals worldwide.
His many picture books include Bear and Rat, lovingly written for his amazing wife Bini, and illustrated by Stephen Michael King, which has been published in many countries worldwide. One Tree, illustrated by Bruce Whatley, was shortlisted in the 2020 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, and is a CBCA Notable Book. One Child, illustrated by Steven Woolman, won the Wilderness Society Environment Award for Picture Books (Australia) and the Skipping Stones Honour Book (USA). Christopher also worked with Sarah Davis on the critically acclaimed picture book Sounds Spooky which won an Aurealis Award in the picture book category and is a CBCA Notable Book.
Christopher is often heard to announce that he has the best job in the world!
Photo by Daniel Woo, courtesy of Penguin Random House Australia
Bruce Whatley trained as an illustrator in Manchester, UK, where one of his tutors was Tony Ross. Shortly after starting a family, Bruce found his niche in writing and illustrating for children. His children’s books are very popular and his first book, The Ugliest Dog in the World, was an instant success and was listed as a CBCA Notable Book, 1993. His second book, Looking for Crabs, was shortlisted for Picture Book of the Year, 1993. Bruce continues to write and illustrate picture books. He has had much success with the picture book he created with Jackie French, Diary of A Wombat, as well as books of his own, Tin Toys and The Watchmaker Who Saved Christmas. Bruce and his wife live in Berry on the south coast of New South Wales.
Visit his official website.