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Mark Wilson
Author, Illustrator
Mark Wilson is one of Australia’s most successful author/illustrators of children’s books. He currently has seventeen books in print in Australia and the USA. His picture books have won many awards including two Whiteley Awards for children’s picture books, two Wilderness Society Awards and five CBCA Notable Picture Book awards.
Where were you born?
Being the son of an air-force officer, I spent my childhood moving to different postings around Australia. Eight schools later, my family finally settled in the Blue Mountains near Springwood.
What other jobs have you had?
I’ve worked as a soldier, musician, teacher, magazine designer, map-maker, milkman, baker’s assistant, petrol jockey, stable hand and wildlife rescuer.
What have been the highlights of your career?
Walking into a classroom and seeing all those beaming faces during author visits to schools. Also receiving the Whiteley Award for The Last Tree, which highlights the devastation logging is causing in our native forests.
What are you passionate about?
I am determined to encourage young children to have confidence in telling and illustrating their own stories. I am also passionate about conservation and the environment, and deal with these subjects in my books and workshops.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
Have confidence in your own writing and drawing. Like anything else, it just takes practice. Also look into your family history and record the stories you find there. You will find that truth can be stranger than fiction.
Testimonials
Mark was very friendly and very informative.
Excellent in the way of his presentation, Mark was friendly and engaging with the students and staff – the Sea Turtle and other drawings were just beautiful!
The children loved Mark Wilson. He kept their attention, answered their questions and they loved the drawing workshop. There was a good balance of talking and doing.
Mark was certainly good value. He lived up to expectations and was aware that the children were very interested in his life and books. They had many questions about his books as we had discussed them beforehand. I liked that he was in touch with me before he came to ensure his talk was what we wanted. He also made good on his promise to send us a book… he signed all our copies of his books before he left! Many thanks.