Publisher's synopsis
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge lives next door to a nursing home. When he finds out that his special friend, Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper, is losing her memory he sets out to find what a memory is.
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge was a second collaboration for Mem Fox and Julie Vivas, the author and illustrator of Possum Magic.
First published in 1984, it was similarly an instant success, later translated into several languages and published in the US and the UK. Its classic themes and beautiful artwork have also seen it adapted to the stage as a play for children, but its enduring appeal is in the simple words of a story thoughtfully told, illustrated with humour and understanding.
Mem is the author of over 25 books and is one of Australia’s best and most loved picture book authors. She is the author of the iconic and bestseller children’s book ever in Australia, Possum Magic which has sold over 3 million copies. Sales of Mem’s books have reached 10 million copies and are sold in many countries around the world
Good Night Sleep Tight is the first time Mem and Judy have collaborated on a picture book since they published, Where is the Green Sheep? This classic Australian title has been in the top children’s book bestseller list since its publication. It has never been published into paperback but continues to sell consistently in hardback and has remained in the top 10 bestselling picture book list for the past 8 years.
Mem has been presented with many awards including an AM in the 1993 Australia Day Honours for services to the cultural life of Australia; an SA Great Award for Literature in 2001; the Prime Minister’s Centenary Medal in 2003; and she was shortlisted for the Australian of the Year in 2004. She has worked as an Associate Professor of Literacy Studies in the School of Education at Flinders University, South Australia for twenty-four years and is now an international literacy consultant.
Website/blog details
www.memfox.net
Julie Vivas is one of Australia’s most loved and popular picture book illustrators. Her first picture book, The Tram to Bondi Beach(written by Libby Hathorn), was Highly Commended in the 1982 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year Awards. However it is for her illustrations in the beloved Australian classic Possum Magic, written by Mem Fox, that she has become most well known. This book was Highly Commended at the 1984 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Awards. In 1990 The Very Best of Friends, Julie’s first picture book with Margaret Wild, won this particular award. Julie has since been short-listed for this award several times. In 1992 she was awarded the Dromkeen Medal for her significant contribution to children’s literature.
