Leigh Hobbs
Welcome to Creative Kids Tales Leigh Hobbs.
Many of this country’s talented authors and illustrators originate from Melbourne and Leigh Hobbs is one of them. Leigh was born in Williamstown, Melbourne in 1953 and grew up in Bairnsdale, a small country town of Victoria.
The school years introduced Leigh to history and writing classes, which he enjoyed. Sport, maths and science he happily left to the other students.
In 1973 at the age of 20 Leigh graduated from Monash University art school. His first job as an artist was at Sydney’s Luna Park. He was contracted to supervise the restoration and colour design of a 1900’s Carousel. It was during this time Leigh created two large three dimensional characters Larry and Lizzy Luna, who now hold permanent residence at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.
After his work at Luna Park, Leigh, primarily supported himself working as an art school teacher at secondary schools from 1978 – 2002.
In between his ‘day job’ Leigh worked on and developed the various aspects of his artistic vision. In 1980 he had a one man show of caricature sculptures at the Rex Irwin Gallery in Sydney. In 1984 a collection of his glazed ceramic tea pots designed in the shape of Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station were displayed and purchased by numerous collectors including The National Gallery of Victoria.
From 1985 – 2010 Leigh freelanced as a cartoonist for The Age, Melbourne. Leigh is best known though for the children’s book characters he has created in and for the children’s books he writes and illustrates. Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Mr Chicken, Fiona the Pig and Mr Badger have won many fans here in Australia and overseas.
Since 1994 his original Old Tom has been reprinted nineteen times. Leigh’s illustrations often border on the grotesque, but there is no denying Leigh’s work has been embraced by all who view his work. This legendary artist has been nominated for countless awards. In 2010 Leigh’s Mr Chicken Goes to Paris was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Awards and in 2012 NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) adapted it for the stage.
In 2002 Old Tom first appeared on ABC TV in a television series and in 1999 Leigh designed the colour scheme for the entrance to Melbourne’s Luna Park.
Leigh is a highly regarded artist and author who, from an early age knew that what he wanted to do when he grew up, was to be an artist. Although he has celebrated many birthdays, Leigh is still very much young at heart and this is reflected in all facets of his work. Not only is Leigh an adventurous storyteller, he is a talented painter and sculptor, creating many memorable pieces as well as animated films. His artwork can be found in public art galleries, the National Gallery of Victoria, the State Libraries of Victoria and Western Australia. Leigh’s works can also be found in private collections around the country.
Not only does Leigh love his craft, he is also passionate about architecture, classical music and English history. In fact, Leigh’s home away from home is London.
Aussies aren’t the only ones who love Leigh’s work. Leigh’s English publisher is Bloomsbury and it is their edition of his book ‘Mr Chicken Goes To Paris’ which is a very popular title in The Louvre Museum bookshop in Paris.
In 2001, ‘Horrible Harriet’ burst onto the scene with the introduction of Horrible Harriet which was subsequently shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council Picture Book of the Year Award. In 2005 Leigh released Hooray for Horrible Harriet and in 2012 ‘ Horrible Harriet’s Inheritance’ was released.
Leigh Hobbs, illustrator/author and sculptor is just as colourful as the characters he creates and clearly there is a lot more to come from this national treasure. Leigh’s next book is ‘Mr Chicken Lands on London’ due for release in July 2014.
It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Leigh Hobbs as our featured author this month on Creative Kids Tales.
You can read more about Leigh Hobbs here: www.leighhobbs.com.au
'Everything you need is here, on Creative Kids Tales! Oh, how wonderful this would have been for the young Emma Quay, knowing she loved children’s picture books but not knowing a soul in the industry. Down to earth, comprehensive, friendly, realistic and encouraging advice — this is an invaluable resource. Bravo!' - 
'The long-distance marathon of writing, illustrating and publishing usually begins along a very foggy road, in the dark, shoeless. But wait! What's that light on the horizon? A glowing little cafe, full of a bunch other runners plotting out mud-maps on napkins and exchanging anecdotes, warning about ditches and praising short-cuts. Stop for a while, have a cup of tea, maybe even a shoe-fitting, then get yourself back on the road for the long slog to sunrise.' - 
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'If there's anything emerging authors struggle with (beyond the dreaded writer's block), it's receiving recognition or even acknowledgment of their work – battling for a slice of that incredibly elusive publishing pie. Georgie Donaghey has created a priceless promotional and networking station that allows new authors to not only share their work, but gain the courage and nous to take their work to a whole new level. Creative Kids Tales is a valuable addition to Australia's burgeoning children's book market.' - 
'I’m thrilled to be Creative Kids Tales author of the month.' 'I hope in some small way by me taking part, I might help and inspire young authors and artists to follow their own artistic path.' 'The key I believe is to seek to enjoy what you do. Even though doing your best is a constant challenge I find it is a worthwhile one. So, get drawing and / or writing.' Good luck ! - 
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Creative Kids Tales offers a brilliant platform for established and emerging creators to keep in touch and learn from each other. That is a great thing for this most isolated of all professions (apart from On-site Antarctic Penguin Imitators). - 
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'Georgie and the team at Creative Kids Tales have a wonderful passion for children’s stories, and this site is a wonderful place to visit to find and share ideas!
'Emerging from one's chrysalis of anonymity into the prodigious world of creative children's writing and publishing is a daunting prospect. Georgie Donaghey's Creative Kids Tales is a superlative source of inspiration and information for the bourgeoning writer and illustrator. She has created an invaluable platform from which writers, both developing and established, can view, promote and share each other's work, and most importantly aspirations. A fun, friendly, and informative forum that everyone in the kids' lit industry can benefit from.' Keep it up Georgie! - 
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'Creative Kids Tales is a unique and valuable online resource for new and established authors. The site provides a wealth of information and insight into the children's writing world.' 'Thanks for all your support, Georgie, and keep up the good work.' - 
'Buckets of thanks to Georgie for creating Creative Kids Tales. There’s a wealth of wonderful information and resources for everyone interested in creating books for kids – and a warm sense of community.'
'This is a great website. Nowadays, when getting published is so hard and staying published not much easier, everyone needs all the help they can get. And here's Help with a capital H!' 'Go Georgie! Creative Kids Tales is an inspiration for all writers of children's and YA fiction.' - 
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'I stumbled on to Creative Kids Tales by accident. I thought it was kid's tails. I'd been doing some research about goats and how their tails were actually a fifth leg, a very long time ago. Or did I just dream that? In any case, I was bitterly disappointed at first to find not tails, but tales. However, while I was at the site I had a wander around, and soon discovered that it was even better than a goat's site - no kidding! This is a brilliant haven for writers, new and not so new; a place to showcase their work and to learn from others.' Well done, Georgie. You've done a fantastic job. - www.enterprisingwords.com.au
Writing can be a lonely profession. By necessity, you need to work alone much of the time. But it is wonderful to have a website which eases that by connecting creators with each other and with a wealth of information and resources.
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'Wow! Creative Kids Tales is a fantastic resource for writers, no matter what stage of their writing journey they are at. Congratulations, Georgie, on your attractive, easy-to-navigate website, your generosity to your fellow writers and your constantly evolving ideas. Thanks on behalf of all of us.' - 
What a terrific, enthusiastic, informative and creative resource - of value and interest to so many people.
'Creative Kids Tales is a great forum for people who spend most of their working time alone. It is interesting and inspiring to see and hear what other authors and illustrators have to say.' - 
'What a great asset you are to the children's book industry, Georgie.
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'CKT is like the friendly and helpful colleague I could have done with when I started out. Back then I didn’t know anyone who was a writer or illustrator of books.'
'Thanks for having me on Creative Kids Tales. It's a great resource for emerging writers and illustrators and I hope it will have a long future.'
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'The thing I like about the Creative Kids Tales website is that the authors come across as real people who face the same problems that beginning writers do and that there’s plenty of practical advice.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is a fantastic resource for aspiring writers that showcases emerging and published authors and illustrators and provides links to publishers' websites, helpful hints and competitions.'
'Congratulations to Georgie Donaghey for her hard work and enthusiasm in setting up a site that has been sorely needed to promote current Australian children's writing. Not just for the established, but for up and coming, Creative Kids Tales showcases talent and provides information essential for anyone in the industry.' - www.enterprisingwords.com.au
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'What a wonderful website Creative Kids Tales is, supporting and helping Australian authors in their quest through the dark thorny forest of the publishing world. Georgie should be congratulated for all her hard work and fearless leadership!' - 
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'Thanks for being such a strong advocate for children’s literature, the power of stories, and reading.
'Creative Kids Tales is a treasure trove of resources and insights, compiled with dedication and enthusiasm. A wonderful resource for anyone who is interested in picture books and children's literature.' - 
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"Whether just starting out or with many books under your belt, Creative Kids Tales is the perfect place to go for all things writerly. Sharing the inner world is a wonderful thing for solitary writers, and it's all there on Georgie's website.
'CKT is such a valuable site for anybody wanting to learn a bit more about making children’s books. When time travelling becomes possible, I’ll steal all the info from this site and deliver it to my younger, aspiring self.'
'CKT is a great resource for both established and emerging authors. I like the way you're always coming up with new and exciting initiatives at your site. And I love reading the fascinating journeys and achievements of the writers you profile here.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales provides such a valuable service. Writing can be a lonely business at times, and seeking publication can be daunting. So it is especially wonderful for writers to be able to access such a comprehensive site where information, experiences and the ups and downs of writing for kids can be shared.' Well done, Georgie! - 
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