Local Authors and Illustrators

Her children’s books focus on environmentalism, natural disasters and the importance of looking after our ecosystems. They are dotted with fun facts and humour, which makes them not only educational but engaging to young readers. The books are filled with adorable characters, to convey themes of teamwork, family, diversity and cooperation. Sue enjoys the great outdoors, is a regular at the local waterways on her SUP-Stand Up Paddle Board.

Emma lives on a picturesque farm with her family. Her debut picture book, “Is this your egg?”, written by Ella Kris, was selected for the First 5 Forever Stories for Little Queenslanders series and went on to win a national award in 2021 – Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year. Emma also illustrated “Wombat & Joey Roo”, written by Robert Vescio and published by Wild Eyed Press in 2021. Emma has also worked as a part time Library Officer for Ipswich Libraries for over 14 years.

Now settled on the Sunshine Coast, she draws inspiration from her Australian Brumby and the adventures they shared. Leisa writes heartwarming stories with anthropomorphic characters, weaving in gentle themes of mindfulness to help children navigate the challenges of modern life. Her tales celebrate imagination, friendship, and self-discovery, offering young readers relatable characters and meaningful messages in an engaging way.

Drawing on decades of lived experience and professional expertise, Bernie empowers women to heal childhood trauma, break free from people-pleasing, and reclaim their self-worth. She is the author of “HEAL: How to overcome bullying, burnout, abuse and neglect, one step at a time,” the “Self-Love Affirmations for Women” Kindle book, and Gratitude and Grief Journals, all gently guiding readers from the Fawn trauma response to embracing their Inner Sovereign.

The Bush Wanderers series centres around funny, imaginative stories about Australian bush animals and their quirky adventures. Inspired by the Aussie bush, Vera brings each story to life with vibrant hand-drawn illustrations and playful made-up worlds for early readers. The stories centre on Gigglefeather the Kookaburra and her friends and their light-hearted adventures in Blue Gum Valley. Written and illustrated for children aged 4-8.

Her debut story, written alongside her sister, Camryn (C.P. Smith), “Flintessa Flammabelle and the Glowroot Grove” is the first adventure in The Flintessa Chronicles. A children’s chapter book series about a young fire fairy, filled with warmth, courage, discovery and elemental magic, that encourages young readers to believe in the extraordinary. When Jaimee’s head isn’t in a book, you can find her spending quality time with her husband and young daughter.

Her debut story, written alongside her sister, Jaimee (J.C. Mitchell), “Flintessa Flammabelle and the Glowroot Grove”, is the first adventure in The Flintessa Chronicles. A children’s chapter book series about a young fire fairy, filled with warmth, courage, discovery and elemental magic that encourages young readers to believe in the extraordinary. When Camryn’s head isn’t in a book, you can probably find her sipping coffee, or at the athletics track training for her next Olympic Games team.

Sandhya resides in Brisbane with her husband, three children and a backyard brimming with mango trees, curry leaves and green chillies.

Writing a book is so much more than fulfilling a dream; it is a legacy, and being born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), then living in New Zealand and now, Australia, I am truly blessed to have had such a cosmopolitan environment in which to broaden my horizons. I am blessed with grandchildren and still have a passion for writing, editing and helping other authors bring to light their own writing ambitions.

Pamela Rushby has worked in advertising, as a teacher, and as a writer and producer of educational television, audio and multi-media. She currently freelances as a writer and loves delving into history to find her stories. She frequently shares these stories with both adult and student audiences. Her books and films have won many awards (which she is far too modest to list).

In whatever spare time he has from his full-time job as a Technical Services Officer for a defence maintenance contractor,  Cam enjoys writing, watching Formula One, MotoGP, and is a lifelong Manchester United supporter. Cam currently lives in the suburbs of Brisbane and is married to Sarah. He has two daughters, Georgia and Olivia, two step-sons, Ryan and Luke, and owns an Eclectus Parrot called Rosie. He is also a dog-father to a Great Dane called Queenie, and a Rhodesian Ridgeback called Roxy.

She also works as an animator and character designer but has been called away from this affair as her relationship with children’s books grows more serious. Born and raised in Turkiye, she moved to Australia in 2011 and has been adjusting to the local eight-legged house intruders ever since. She lives in Springfield, where she and her husband “play Children’s Booksmithing” for self-publishers at Tadaa Book—at least when they’re not playing hide-and-seek with their two little daughters.

This children’s picture book celebrates Rosewood’s historical past and present, prehistoric history, including the surrounding areas of Marburg, Grandchester and Ipswich. Karen is a keynote speaker, writing workshop facilitator and author, presenting reader’s theatre with costumes, puppets and FUN. Karen and husband Steve perform FUN storytelling sessions, and creative writing workshops at schools, libraries, writing camps, bookshops and festivals throughout Queensland.