Bruce Whatley
Welcome to Creative Kids Tales, Bruce Whatley.
The exceptional author and illustrator, Bruce Whatley, has produced over 80 children’s picture books. Bruce is highly-regarded for his creative nous. His remarkable ability to draw on various artistic techniques and mediums to express a diverse, striking and compelling visual narrative, has been commended by those in the industry and his ever growing audience.
Bruce commenced his career in advertising as an art director and illustrator in London and Sydney, before entering the world of children’s books in 1992. His very first book, The Ugliest Dog in the World, quickly became a favourite, being acknowledged as a Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book in 1993. Drawing on inspiration from his family, including the family dog, Skitty, Bruce followed his successful debut with a number of entertaining and imaginative award-winning titles, including Little White Dogs Can’t Jump, Looking for Crabs, Tails from Grandad’s Attic, That Magnetic Dog and Detective Donut and the Wild Goose Chase.
Bruce has collaborated with some of Australia’s most celebrated authors, including the illustrious Jackie French (Diary of a Wombat, Pete the Sheep, Josephine Wants to Dance, Shaggy Gully Times, Baby Wombat’s Week, Christmas Wombat, Wombat Goes to School, Queen Victoria’s Underpants, Queen Victoria’s Christmas and The Beach They Called Gallipoli, amongst other eminent titles) and Gary Crew (The Lantern, Quetta and Pig on the Titanic: A True Story). His talented wife, Rosie Smith, is also a credited co-creator of many of his titles, such as, My Dad’s the Coolest, My Mum’s the Best, My First Day at School and My Merry Christmas.
As the designer of the iconic character, Joey, for ABC Playschool’s 50th Anniversary, Bruce’s talent, innovation and considerate nature has been recognised both within Australia and internationally.
Born in South Australia and growing up in Manchester, UK, Bruce started drawing as soon as he could hold a pencil in his hand. Experimenting with his illustration styles, Bruce’s imagery varies, determined by the content and his target audience. Using pencils, watercolours, acrylics, oils and CGI (through animation software), his illustrations are captivating and continuously evolving. He is also an advocate for the capability both hands have in drawing, illustrating three books with his left hand as opposed to his dominant right.
With the intent to make children smile and laugh, Bruce is an insightful storyteller. His most recent title, Ruben, was strictly his own project and is being praised for its visual and narrative depth and beauty. A book that Bruce started writing ten years ago and illustrating six years ago, Ruben is a moving story with illustrations that are truly unique in composition. It is a must have book that takes your breathe away.
We are excited to welcome Bruce Whatley to the Creative Kids Tales community.
Introduction by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern
To learn more about Bruce Whatley, visit: brucewhatley.com
Read CKT's December 2017 interview with Bruce Whatley
Bruce Whatley at work
Here are some of Bruce Whatley's books: