Bob Graham

Bob Graham has written and illustrated many children’s picture books. He was born in Sydney, and studied at the Julian Ashton Art School. His books are well known for their simplicity and humour, told from children’s perspectives, including “Oscar’s Half Birthday,” “Buffy,” ( Smarties Book prize silver award winner) and “Let’s Get a Pup” ( shortlisted for the 2002 Kate Greenaway medal; winner Boston Globe-Horn book award.) He won the 2000 Smarties Gold medal for “Max”, the 2003 Kate Greenaway medal for “Jethro Byrde,” and the Australian Children’s Book of the Year Award four times. Other titles include “Queenie the Bantam,”( highly commended for the Kate Greenaway medal,) “Dimity Dumpty” and “Brand New Baby.”

In 2009 “How to Heal a Broken Wing,” has won the Charlotte Zolotow award, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Award, and shortlisted for the 2009 Kate Greenaway medal. His most recent book 'April Underhill, Tooth Fairy' by Bob Graham named an ‘Honor Book’ in the 2011 Zolotow Awards. How to Heal a Broken Wing was short-listed for the 2011 REAL Children's Choice Book Awards. April Underhill Tooth Fairy was short-listed for the 2011 Prime Minister's Literary Awards. Bob Graham is a candidate for the 2012 Hans Christian Andersen Award. Bob Graham was short-listed for the Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards for Miracle on Separation Street in the Lower Primary Category.

What kinds of books does Bob Graham write?

He writes children's picture books, noted for simple, humorous storytelling often told from a child's perspective and illustrated by himself.

Which of his books have won awards or been highly recognised?

Notable recognitions include Max (2000 Smarties Gold), Jethro Byrde (2003 Kate Greenaway Medal), Buffy (Smarties silver), Let’s Get a Pup (shortlisted Kate Greenaway; Boston Globe–Horn Book Award), How to Heal a Broken Wing (Charlotte Zolotow Award and multiple shortlistings) and April Underhill, Tooth Fairy (Zolotow Honor Book; shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards).

Are his books part of a series or is there a recommended reading order?

Most of Graham's books are standalone picture books. A few titles feature recurring characters (for example the Underhills/April Underhill), so check individual listings for related books rather than a strict series order.

What age group are Bob Graham's books best suited for and where should I start?

His picture books are best for preschool to early primary readers. Good entry points are his award-winning and highly praised titles such as How to Heal a Broken Wing, Max or April Underhill, Tooth Fairy.

What themes and styles are common in his work?

Common elements include child-centred perspectives, gentle humour, simplicity in text and illustration, and themes of empathy, family and everyday childhood experiences.