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Ashleigh Barton
Author
Ashleigh Barton is an engaging speaker for children of all ages. Through her interactive presentations which cover Ashleigh’s publishing career both in-house and as an author of bestselling picture books, junior fiction and middle grade novels, Ashleigh aims to inspire creativity, perseverance and a love of stories.
Where were you born?
I was born in Sydney, Australia.
What other jobs have you had?
Before writing full time I was the Marketing and Publicity Manager for Children’s Books at Hachette. Prior to that I was the Publicity Coordinator at Pan Macmillan, and while I was at university studying Law and Public Communications I worked as a paralegal, nanny, tutor, advertising intern, PR intern, market research team leader and retail assistant in a stationery shop. After school, I worked in an English boarding school as a “gap student”. These days, I also work as a freelance copywriter in addition to author.
What themes are recurring in your work?
Friendship, family, hope and belonging.
What have been the highlights of your career?
An incredibly exciting highlight was when my picture books were nominated for CBCA awards! My book What Do You Call Your Grandma was on the CBCA shortlist; What Do You Call Your Grandpa, How Do You Say I Love You and Dinosaur In My Pocket were all CBCA Notables!
Where have your works been published?
Traditionally through Hachette, HarperCollins and UQP.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about writing and storytelling as well as the importance of early literacy and reading throughout childhood, reading for pleasure, teacher librarians and school libraries and the value of creative arts (particularly in the wake of AI advancements).
Haven’t I Seen You Before?
I have presented at dozens of schools across Sydney and surrounds, as well as in Brisbane and Toowoomba, and have appeared at Sydney Writers Festivals, Somerset StoryFest and Step Into Stories.