Jessie and MR Smith

Jane Godwin’s highly acclaimed picture book Dreaming of Antarctica was published in 1997 with illustrations by Terry Denton. Penguin has also published Sebby, Stee, the Garbos and Me (illustrated by award-winning Andrew McLean) in its popular Aussie Bites series and Poor Fish and When Anna Slept Over in the Aussie Nibbles series. Sebby, Stee, the Garbos and Me was shortlisted for the 1999 NSW State Literary Award for Book of the Year; and the 2000 YABBA (Younger readers). The Family Tree, Jane’s second novel, was shortlisted for the 1999 Family Award for Children’s Books, the 2000 WAYRA and won the 2000 Queensland Premier’s Literary Award (Children’s Books). Her most recent books include Minnie and the Superguys and Aussie Bites, Jessie and Mr Smith and The Day I Turned Ten.

Ann James is one of Australia’s best-known illustrators, and many of her books have been successful internationally, including A Coat of Cats (by Jerri Kroll), the Midnight Babies books and the Penny Pollard Diaries (by Robin Klein). She works in a variety of media, from watercolours to vibrant pastels.