What’s the book about?
George the Wizard has the best life on top of his magical mountain, but he’s missing one key thing: friends!
George the Wizard loves life on top of his mountain. He loves speeding around on his flying cloud, playing hide-and-seek with the animals and looking after his crystal gardens.
The only thing missing from life on George’s mountain is friends to share it all with. But does George have the courage to show others who he really is?
Recommended for:
Ages 3+.
Three reasons to read it:
- Beukers’ artworks are nothing short of enchanting. Each page bursts with vibrant colours and whimsical details that leap off the page, creating a visual feast for the eyes. These captivating images not only enhance the story but also encourage young readers to dream bigger and see the magic that surrounds them.
- At its heart, George the Wizard is a tale of empowerment. George’s journey is a testament to the importance of self-discovery and resilience. Readers will be inspired to embrace their uniqueness and recognize that everyone has their own brand of magic. This message is both uplifting and essential, fostering confidence in young hearts as they navigate their own adventures in life.
- Armstrong’s narrative weaves in a celebration of diversity, making it relatable to children from all walks of life. By showcasing characters who embrace their differences, the book teaches the beauty of inclusivity and the strength found in our varied experiences. This vibrant representation fosters understanding and acceptance, nurturing a generation that appreciates the richness of diversity in their own lives.
Buy a copy of George the Wizard here.
About the author:
A proud Gamilaroi man, Tony Armstrong grew up in rural NSW and played professional AFL for Adelaide, Collingwood and Sydney before going on to become a radio and television presenter, including being the first Indigenous AFL commentator on commercial radio, hosting the Marngrook Footy Show and becoming a panellist for The Colour of Your Jumper. In 2020, Tony joined the ABC, where he presented sports news on the ABC News channel, provided commentary for Grandstand AFL on ABC Sport, and hosted the 2020 summer series of Offsiders. Tony is now the full-time sports presenter on ABC News Breakfast, along with numerous other television credits. In 2023, Tony received the Bert Newtown Award for Most Popular Presenter at the Logie Awards, following his Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent at the 2022 Logie Awards. As well as being a rising star in Australian media, Tony Armstrong is a talented writer and creator who is currently in the process of developing a slate of television projects. Tony’s debut picture book, George the Wizard, was published in 2024, and Maggie the Dragon is his second book.
Emma Sjaan Beukers is a designer, illustrator and artist working from her home studio in Naarm (Melbourne). Her blend of Indigenous (Ngemba/Ngiyampaa), Dutch and Irish heritage, as well as her own spiritual and occult practices, heavily inspire the art and illustration work she creates; full of nostalgic and familiar nature, spirits, magic, mystery and folklore that makes your inner child jump for joy. She made her debut as a childen’s book illustrator with George the Wizard in 2024, and Maggie the Dragon is her second book.
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