Margaret Wild
Welcome to Creative Kids Tales, Margaret Wild.
Highly acclaimed and adored author, Margaret Wild, has been writing for children since 1984. Her books are among the most beloved worldwide.
Margaret has been the recipient of copious awards in recognition of the exceptional books she creates and her immense impact as a children’s author. In 2008 she was presented with The Nan Chauncy Award, honoring her outstanding contribution over the years to Australian Children’s Literature. Margaret has also received the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award for Jenny Angel (2000), The Very Best of Friends (1990), and Fox (2001). Her magnificent book Fox, went on to win the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards: Children’s Book Award and the NSW Premier's Literary Awards: The Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature, amongst other accolades within Australia and internationally. Margaret’s uplifting tale of Baby Brenda’s adventures in The Midnight Gang was awarded the Books I Love Best Yearly: Early Readers Award (1998), with her highly entertaining Baby Boomsticks winning the same award in 2006, an incredible achievement when awardees are chosen by children.
Born in Eshowe South Africa and growing up, an avid reader, in Johannesburg, Margaret moved to Australia in the early 1970s. After completing her studies in Canberra she returned to Sydney. Margaret’s early career involved working as a journalist and book editor.
Margaret began writing for children after she had her own. She fell in love with picture books that she was reading daily. The open and imaginative world found in the pages of these books enticed her creative spirit. Amongst her favorite books were Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat by Jenny Wagner. These two books shaped Margaret as a remarkable children’s author. On her decision to write, Margaret composed three stories, Something Absolutely Enormous, One Shoe On and There’s a Sea in My Bedroom, to her delight (and the delight of us all), the three stories were accepted for publication in 1984. A children’s literary treasure emerged.
Margaret has since had over 70 books published. Her appreciation of picture books has continued and is evident through the majority of the wonderful titles she has produced. Her ability to explore themes, such as homelessness, bullying, loss and betrayal, in a manner that is respectful of children and provides a heartwarming sentiment, is truly unique.
A fresh idea and a good cup of coffee usually sees Margaret cultivate her writing. If Margaret does not write, she describes herself as being restless, unhappy and dissatisfied, emotions we too would feel if we did not have her books to curl up with. She has touched the hearts of many and continues to do so.
Her honesty and discernment has seen her become a role model to both emerging and established authors. The depth of her characters and captivating stories, have warmed adults and children alike.
It is with great delight we welcome Margaret Wild to Creative Kids Tales. We are so pleased to have Margaret join the community.
Introduction by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern
Read CKT's August 2017 interview with Margaret Wild
Some of Margaret Wild's books: