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Nicki Greenberg
Author, Illustrator
Nicki Greenberg is an award-winning author and illustrator. Her books include critically acclaimed graphic adaptations of The Great Gatsby and Hamlet (winner, CBCA Picture Book of the Year 2011). She has written and illustrated many books for children, and enjoys giving dynamic workshops and presentations for all age groups. In her past life, Nicki worked as a lawyer.
Where were you born?
I was born in Melbourne. Or possibly in Jim Henson’s Muppet studio.
What other jobs have you had?
I worked as a lawyer for ten years. I’ve also been an English tutor and an artists’ model. My least glamorous job was in a supermarket deli: the neighbourhood dogs used to follow me home after work because I came out smelling like salami!
What have been the highlights of your career?
Having my Gatsby adaptation published was a highlight. The book was an enormous labour of love: I had worked on it for five years without knowing if it would ever find a publisher. So I was beyond thrilled to see it out in the world. Receiving a beautiful card from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s granddaughter telling me that she loved the book was quite a moment, too!
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about the power of storytelling to change our lives, and the magic of making connections. I love reading both fiction and non-fiction, and am especially fascinated by books about the brain.
Haven’t I seen you before?
On roller skates, practising my dance moves outside the Melbourne Museum (with only the occasional spectacular stack).
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
I make a lot of funny faces when I’m drawing: it’s essential for creating lively expressions on the page. And I suspect that a few of those funny faces pop out when I’m speaking as well.
Testimonials
Nicki’s presentation to students was an awesome showcase of her work. The students were actively listening and engaged for the whole session which included storytelling and the process of creating a picture book. Nicki could tailor these sessions for students from Kindergarten to Year 10 to perfection. I highly recommend Nicki Greenberg Author/Illustrator for any kind of creative writing/illustrating workshops or presentations.
Everyone from our school raved about the ways in which Nicki engaged our students throughout the whole session. The kids loved the activities that they did and the teachers loved the energy and delivery of her presentations. We loved having Nicki at St Aloysius and would certainly welcome her back again.
Nicki Greenberg has been a fabulous writer/illustrator presenter at Carey Baptist Grammar School for many years now. Year 12 IB classes loved Nicki’s session on the creation of her ‘Hamlet’, a play they studied. Year 10 Literature students were similarly intrigued by her version of ‘The Great Gatsby’. Nicki has also run fun and informative double period workshops at Year 7, 8 and 9 teaching students to create story primarily with pictures. In 2017 she proved how versatile she is by capturing the imagination of Year 1 children reading her wonderful picture books on the junior school day. Nicki is an enthusiastic and dynamic presenter. She thoughtfully prepares for workshops and delivers them with energy; interacting very positively with both students and teachers. It is always a pleasure to welcome Nicki Greenberg to Carey knowing that she will be able to capture the students’ full attention and engage them actively in any task she plans.
We were thrilled to attract Nicki to Bacchus Marsh Primary School.
The way she linked the inspiration for her writing through her own Primary School age children to connect to our students worked a treat. They were spellbound as she spoke and were clearly provoked to ask considered questions. Nicki’s answers prompted their own writing endeavour straight away back in the classroom.
Meerkat Choir was a huge hit! Thanks to Nicki for sharing. She oozed such a genuine desire to bring joy to readers of all ages. Her skill as an author/illustrator was admired by our students. We were really attracted to her breadth and depth of experience, variety of style, and the fact that she writes for all ages.
We were grateful for the speedy development of rapport with our students and being so generous with the time we had available.
We certainly look forward to Nicki’s next visit to BMPS!
Nicki has created workshops and presentations for us on a number of occasions. She is a very knowledgeable and professional presenter and a true creator combining skills in illustration, writing and interpretation. Nicki is engaging and knows how to speak to young people in ways that interest and involve them. Her session on interpreting The Great Gatsby as a graphic novel, with our year 11 lit class, was extraordinary teasing out thought provoking insights into the text.