Kim Toft

Author, Illustrator, Storyteller/Performer

Kim Michelle Toft is a full time illustrator and author of environmental children’s books, focusing primarily on coastal and ocean habitats. Her illustrations are all hand painted onto silk, and as part of her presentation she demonstrates her silk painting technique.

Publications currently in print: I Can Swim A Rainbow (Silkim Books), Recipe For Perfect Planet Pie (Silkim Books), Tick Tock Tick Tock What’s Up Croc? (Silkim Books), The Twelve Underwater Days of Christmas (Silkim Books), A Sea of Words (Silkim Books), The World That We Want (UQP), Turtle’s Song (UQP), Neptune’s Nursery (UQP) and One Less Fish (UQP)

Where were you born?

I was born in North Queensland.

What other jobs have you had?

Throughout teachers college I worked behind bars, then taught in primary schools in Qld, went to art college in Adelaide, SA, then worked as a graphic designer. I have been a full time artist and author for the past 27 years and I have my own galley in Ballina, Northern NSW.

What themes are recurring in your work?

All my books are environmental and very educational.

What have been the highlights of your career?

I have had over 30 solo exhibitions worldwide; all my books are still in print, a testament to their relevancy and popularity, and I have won many literary awards both nationally and internationally.

Where have your works been published?

Australia, USA, NZ and Spain.

What are you passionate about?

The ocean and anything to do with it … swimming, snorkeling, walking along the beach, and my only daughter, Casey Elle.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I believe children are our future through my books and presentations. I hope to inspire kids to do as much as they can to help sustain and conserve Mother Nature’s Gifts.