A bunch of uber-talented illustrators will be flung together in a ferocious battle of skills as we determine the 2023 illustrator champion of champions. This fun-filled battle will be hosted by Adrian Beck and feature James Foley (Secret Agent Mole Book 1: Goldfish-Finger), Serena Geddes (Hope is a Spark), Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (Charlie’s Swim) and Heath McKenzie (Beware, Beware the Drop Bear!) along with some surprise guests. Can they create masterpieces in a limited amount of time or will they buckle under the pressure? Warning: may contain creative meltdown(s). Recommended for ages four and up.
James Foley (Australian)
James Foley makes picture books and graphic novels. He lives in Perth with his wife Renae, their 2 kids, and a labrador called Frankie. He is a massive Marvel movie nerd and comes from a long line of queuing enthusiasts. His picture book Stellarphant won a bunch of awards including the CBCA Shadowers' Choice Picture Book of the Year. His brand new graphic novel series is called Secret Agent Mole.
Heath McKenzie (Australian)
Heath McKenzie is a bestselling, award-winning author and illustrator from Melbourne, VIC. He has written over 40 picture books and collaborated with numerous authors including Nazeem Hussain, Justine Clarke, Josh Pyke, Tim Cahill and more! He is quite possibly best known for his work on the Do Not Open This Book series with Andy Lee. Heath is also the illustrator of 2023's National Simultaneous Storytime book, The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young.
Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (Australian)
Charmaine Ledden-Lewis is a proud Bundjalung woman and award-winning illustrator, residing on Dharug and Gundungurra Country in the Blue Mountains, NSW. Charmaine has collaborated with celebrated authors including Bruce Pascoe, Cathy Freeman, Edith Wright and Dr Anita Heiss, bringing vivid and emotive visual storytelling to each book she creates. Charmaine is passionate about sharing First Nations experiences and perspectives, through the language of art and visual literacy with everyone she meets, and encourages all to transcend inhibition and find their creative outlet.
Serena Geddes (Australian)
Serena Geddes is an international author and illustrator based in Sydney and an ex-Disney artist. She has illustrated over 70 titles and is about to step into the colourful world of graphic novels. Some of her work includes the Lulu Bell series, We are Matildas and her most recent comic series Miles From Home. As a Disney artist she worked on sequels to The Lion King, Peter Pan and The Jungle Book, which has enabled her to capture emotion and movement with her characters and illustrations.
Adrian Beck (Australian)
Adrian Beck writes funny, action-packed stories for kids including the Furball series, the Derek Dool series, and the Little Legends series with Nicole Hayes. As well as being an author, Adrian is a TV producer and a lover of very bad ‘dad jokes’. Adrian is passionate about fostering a love of reading in the next generation.
