AUTHOR / ILLLUSTRATOR

Growing up in Frankston, Victoria, Bettina loved the beach and hated school. Influenced by her father as a practicing artist, she went to art school and furthermore, became an art teacher - she loved being the boss of the class! After getting married and 8 years living in Italy, she began childrens' book illustration upon her return to Australia.

Her work has ranged in publication from the ABC 'Sing' series, to her first full picture book MATILDA AND THE DRAGON (Allen and Unwin) in 1991, and the MANGO STREET and EGG authored by Margaret Clark. The first books Bettina has written and illustrated are her TRAVELLING SOLO series (Omnibus) - 64 page, full colour guides to different countries - like 'Lonely Planet' guides for kids! They are full of interesting facts and prove great for projects.

In her sessions, Bettina explains the steps in becoming an illustrator and how a book is produced from rough stages to the finished book.