LEIGH HOBBS

ILLUSTRATOR / AUTHOR

Leigh Hobbs is an artist and author best known for children's book characters OLD TOM and HORRIBLE HARRIET.

In 2002 HORRIBLE HARRIET was shortlisted for the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Awards, as was his book OLD TOM'S HOLIDAY in 2003. A highly successful animated TV series, based on Leigh's OLD TOM series has screened in Australia and Europe.

Other books include CARO'S CROC CAFE, MR KNUCKLES, BELLY BUSTERS, SPACENAPPED and AROUND THE WORLD WITH MISS JONES AND MISS BROWN. Leigh also illustrated MY SISTER'S AN ALIEN and MY SISTER'S A YO-YO, written by Gretel Killeen.

As well as being an author/illustrator Leigh works as an artist in a wide range of mediums. He recently designed the colour scheme for the entrance of Melbourne's Luna Park and a ceature atop a ride inside the park called 'The Spider'.

A Flinders Street Station teapot he made is in the National Gallery of Victoria and two caricature sculpttures he created for Sydney's Luna Park in the early 1970s are in the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.

Leigh's latest book is OLD TOM - MAN OF MYSTERY. The next book to be published is FIONA THE PIG and currently he is working on a sequel to HORRIBLE HARRIET.

An experienced teacher and lecturer at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, Leigh gives various talks and workshops demonstrating techniques to improve skills and boost confidence, how to create a character, as well as reading from his books, drawing cartoons and explaining how ideas can develop.

You can visit Leigh's website at www.leighhobbs.com

FEEDBACK

"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Leigh's visit. He is an engaging guest with excellent control skills during the sessions. There has been a huge rush to borrow the OLD TOM books - we're buying more!"

- Val Crook, Cranbourne Christian College

"Leigh was very entertaining and was able to reach all children from prep to six. All staff and students responded extremely well to the workshops - he made a huge impact."

- Christine Pengelly, St Michael's Primary School