AUTHOR

Justin, one of ten children, grew up on a farm in New Zealand where he was excited by writing from a particularly young age. Every night after lights-out, he and his brothers, Billy and Philip invented stories for each other. He wrote his first book, a ten page cartoon about his pet turtle, Bubble, when he was nine years old.

His next book was about Mortiarty, his guniea pig, and filled a complete exercise book. When he was eleven, Justin began writing his first novel, but he conked out after 35 pages!

His first publication came as a monthly cartoon strip in a magazine, which he used to draw in his tent while he traveled around Australia on his motorbike. Since then, he has written one adults' novel and four novels for children.

His childrens' writing comes naturally: "I don't plan. I simply invent a character, usually ten to twelve years old, put her in an unusual situation, and start speaking in her voice. For me it's a natural process: part of me doesn't seem to have grown up."

Justin D'Ath has written 21 books for children and young adults, ranging from the whimsical Aussie Nibbles,TOPSY AND TURVY and SNOWMAN MAGIC , to the hard-hitting HUNTERS AND WARRIORS, described by one reviewer as a contemporary Lord of the Flies. His Zany Dr Hu series (including ASTRID SPARK FIXOLOGIST, ECHIDNA MANIA and KOALA FEVER ) have been big sellers both in Australia and overseas, and he has written two fantasy novels, SHAEDOW MASTER (CBC Notable Book 2004) and SKYFLOWER (Quentaris Chronicles).

Justin has a teaching background and is an experienced presenter, author-in-residence and workshop leader. He has eight years experience working in schools, libraries and writers' festivals. He can run young authors' camps, residencies and workshops on any aspect of writing, reading or publishing. Or he can present informative, entertaining and motivational author talks to children from Prep to Year 12.

Justin is passionate about getting children (particularly boys) to read. The following extract is from a parent's letter to All Souls St Gabriels School in Charters Towers, Qld: “How on earth did Justin encourage Mick to read? I've been trying for years!!!!! I've tried what I thought was every trick in the book, excuse the pun. I've even offered to pay them for each book read. If you are ever speaking to Justin, give him my heartfelt thanks.”