Caz Goodwin

Author

Caz Goodwin is an Australian award-winning author who writes picture books, short stories, poetry and junior fiction. Her work has been published internationally and illustrated by Gus Gordon and Kerry Millard (Australia), Ashley King (UK), Low Joo Hong (Singapore) and others. She heads the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) in Victoria and is on the Young Australian Best Book Awards (YABBA) council. She is also an Australia Reads ambassador.

At university, Caz studied psychology, but writing has always been her passion and she now spends her time writing for children and encouraging their love of books and reading. Caz’s latest books, Lazy Daisy and Daisy Runs Wild, are fun, rhyming picture books featuring Daisy the koala. Caz is working on a new picture book series featuring a feisty kitten. The first book in the series, Little Matilda, will be released in early 2022.

Caz is known for her ability to engage and delight young children with her stories and puppets. She is also an entertaining speaker for adult audiences.

Where were you born?

I was born in Melbourne, but have also lived in Brisbane, Auckland and Singapore.

What other jobs have you had?

I studied psychology at university and worked as a human resources manager. I’ve also been a speech writer, a soldier in the army reserve and played drums in a band.

What have been the highlights of your career?

I was thrilled when my first picture book, Dragon’s Egg, won a Singapore National Arts Council Award. The book was also translated into Korean and released as an app.

I also love my role as the head of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) in Victoria. It is an international professional organisation that supports the creation and availability of quality children’s books in every region of the world.

I was honoured to be the judge of the Nance Donkin Award for Children’s Literature in 2021.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Acceptance and diversity are common themes in my work. But I find that no matter what I’m writing, humour always finds its way in.

Where have your works been published?

My books have been published in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Korea. I’ve also been published in The Victorian Writer, several editions of The School Magazine, various anthologies and numerous on-line publications.

What is your writing style?

Irreverent and amusing, but also tender and heartfelt.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about early childhood literacy and encouraging children’s love of books and reading. I’m also passionate about ice-cream.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I have a koala puppet called Daisy who has a habit of taking over my presentations. All the kids love her, and the younger ones often ask if she is real.

Testimonials