Shutting the Chooks In

Libby Gleeson AM is a popular, highly acclaimed writer who has published over 30 books for children and teenagers, including Eleanor, Elizabeth, Dodger, Love Me, Love Me Not and the Hannah series. She has been shortlisted for the CBCA Awards twelve times; she won the Younger Readers Award in 1997 with Hannah and the Tomorrow Room, the Picture Book of the Year Award in 2002 for An Ordinary Day (illustrated by Armin Greder) and the Early Childhood Award in 2007 for Amy and Louis (illustrated by Freya Blackwood). The Great Bear (with Armin Greder) was the first Australian book to win the prestigious Bologna Ragazzi Award, in 2000. Libby has been a teacher and lecturer and is a regular contributor to national conferences. She chaired the Australian Society of Authors 1999-2001, and in 2007 she was awarded membership to the Order of Australia for her services to literature. See also Libby’s website: www.libbygleeson.com.au

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.