SCBWI Success Story - Mick Elliott

Mick Elliott, Illustrator and Author

I am so grateful to be a past recipient of the SCBWI Picture Book Illustrator Awards for my graphic novel memoir, HYPO. Creating a graphic novel from scratch is a monumental task, requiring years of unpaid work to develop materials to pitch to publishers. HYPO - a personal story of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager - is a departure from the style and tone of books I have previously written and illustrated. I was nervous and unsure about the project’s appeal, and whether the time I was spending developing it was worthwhile.

Receiving the SCBWI award was exactly the validation I needed during this early stage of the book’s development. It provided resources to undertake study to develop my illustration skills and facilitated on-going mentorships with experienced illustrators in the industry who have provided invaluable support in my career development. As I continue to work on the book, I am buoyed by the knowledge that the SCBWI judges see the potential in it!  

Find out more about the Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards here.

New PB for Dimity Powell and Heidi Cooper-Smith

Congratulations to author, Dimity Powell and illustrator Heidi Cooper-Smith on the upcoming publication of

The Boy Who Lost His Laugh

a hardback PB for readers aged 4-8, published by EK Books for Kids

March 2026

The Boy Who Lost His Laugh is a poignant portrayal of families, belonging and Parasaurolophuses that recognises the delicate dynamics of foster care, focusing on just one of the many aspects of foster, kinship care and family hopping.

Purchase HERE and discover how foster child Tim finds what he’s been searching for in this gentle tale of love, family, humour and learning to bounce back.

Book Launch - Where The Wild Things Are - Saturday 28th March 2.00pm Brisbane
Emcee Yvonne Mes with author Dimity Powell and special guest, Byran Smith, CEO of Queensland Foster and Kinship Care. Includes reading, signing, a dino-licious afternoon tea, activities, games and prizes!

Debut PB for Sharon Dalgleish and Amandine Thomas

Congratulations to author, Sharon Dalgleish and illustrator, Amandine Thomas on their upcoming publication

Saving Shark Pup

a hardback PB for readers aged 4-8 years, published by Allen & Unwin

3 February 2026

The true story of a great white shark pup who washed up on the beach and was rescued by the local community.

Great white sharks are vital for the ocean ecosystem, and yet despite this, their beauty and mystery are rarely celebrated. .

Purchase this lyrical and emotive account of the shark pup's journey back to the ocean here.