Peter Carnavas
Welcome to Creative Kids Tales, Peter Carnavas.
The exquisite, highly entertaining and meaningful stories of Peter Carnavas have captured the hearts of many (including myself). Growing up in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Peter started creating books before he even went to school. His first ever creation being inspired by his pet turtle Pokey and appropriately titled “My Turtle Bites My Finger.”
From dreaming of being in a band, to becoming one of the greatest song writers of our time, Peter embarked on a teaching career before writing and illustrating his first book Jessica’s Box in 2008. A little story that originated from one he had written for his wife, called “The Man Who Carried A Basket,” Jessica’s Box instantly moved audiences, both children and adults, alike. Jessica’s Box was shortlisted in the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards and the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Crichton Award for Emerging Illustrators. The incredible response Peter received for Jessica’s Box encouraged him to continue on a path as an author/illustrator (and we are so glad he did).
Peter has since created a number of compelling books including Last Tree in the City, The Children Who Loved Books, The Boy on the Page, Sarah’s Heavy Heart and Blue Whale Blues. His books have appeared on ABC TV’s Playschool and have been shortlisted and won many awards. Blue Whale Blues was awarded the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Crystal Kite Award in 2016 and My Sister is a Superhero (written by Damon Young) won an Australian Book Industry Award in 2017.
His emotionally touching books have been turned to stage shows, puppet shows and concerts. In 2016, the Sunshine Coast Council also installed a story seat outside Maroochydore Library, based on The Children Who Loved Books.
Peter’s alluring books appeal to diverse audiences, and as such have been translated into German, Portuguese, Dutch, Korean, Slovenian, Arabic and Italian, amongst other languages.
He has collaborated with several authors and illustrators, including Pat Flynn on My Totally Awesome Story, Damon Young on the Ninja Nanna picture book series and he illustrated the Mr Darcy series for author Alex Field.
Peter’s ability to make audiences mindfully stop and reflect on what really matters in life makes his stories all the more remarkable. His classic illustrations marry perfectly with his meaningful words. His stories are inspiring and ignite profound perspective. The importance of reaching young audiences in this way is essential in supporting them form principles and values. There is none other who is able to pull at your heartstrings, provoke thought and delicately entertain, than Peter Carnavas.
On an ideal day, you would find Peter fishing, swimming or painting, in the company of his wife, two daughters, Florence (his dog) and Harry Potter (his cat). Although he may not have still made it as one of the greatest song writers of our time, he continues to play music and has a lot of instruments – guitars, mandolins, harmonicas, piano accordion and bouzouki, to name a few.
Peter’s first novel, The Elephant, was released in 2017 and has already been acknowledged by those in the industry and his ever-growing audience.
We are delighted to welcome Peter Carnavas to the Creative Kids Tales community. What a wonderful way to ring in 2018!
Introduction by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern
Read CKT's February 2018 interview with Peter Carnavas
Website: petercarnavas.com
Some of Peter Carnavas' books: