Very Best of Friends

Margaret Wild is one of Australia’s most prolific and courageous authors, unafraid to tackle difficult subjects, such as death, old age and social deprivation with both sensitivity and openness. Her heart-warming, moving picture books have been acclaimed both in Australia and overseas.Margaret’s talents have won her many awards throughout her career. In 1990, she won the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Picture Book of the Year for The Very Best of Friends, published by Margaret Hamilton Books. Other CBC short-listed and Commended books by Margaret include: Let the Celebrations Begin!; There’s a Sea in My Bedroom; Creatures in the Beard; Mr Nick’s Knitting; Thank You Santa; A Bit of Company; The Slumber Party; and Toby.In 1996, The Midnight Gang, a whimsical, joyous picture book about the night prowlings of a group of toddlers, was published by Omnibus Books. It was short-listed for the 1997 Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award.

One of Australia's foremost illustrators, Julie Vivas's work for the world renowned Possum Magic (written by Mem Fox) began a career as a children's illustrator that has since seen the creation of some very important picture books.