Jeannie Baker

Since 1972, Jeannie Baker has been making her collages, many of which are designed to illustrate picture books, but stand individually as works of art. Her unique collages are created from many rich textures, including earth, knitted wool and feathers, which, combined with more usual artists materials, achieve a wonderful three dimensional illusion.

It can take Jeannie up to three years to produce a book. Jeannie was born in England but has lived in Sydney for many years. Internationally renowned, her work has garnered critical and public acclaim in Australia and abroad and also many awards, a selection of which include, Australian Picture Book of the Year Honour Book, 2005, for "Belonging", Australian Children’s Book Council Picture Book of the Year Award, 1992, for "Window", Notable Book by the American Library Association, 1984, and short listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal, 1985, for "Home in the Sky" and a Boston Globe Horn Book Magazine Honour Book award,1988, and International Board of Young People Honour Book Award, 1990, for "Where the Forest Meets the Sea". Her book, "Mirror" was the winner of the Children’s category at the 2011 Indie Book Awards and also short-listed for NSW Premier's Literary Award. 'Mirror' was joint winner in the 2011 CBCA Book of the Year Awards - Picture Book Category. 'Mirror' has also been short-listed for the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA's) for 2011. Mirror was also short-listed for the Western Australian Premier's Book Awards for 2010 in the Children's Books category.

What kind of books does Jeannie Baker write and illustrate?

Jeannie Baker creates picture books illustrated with detailed collages. Her artworks use rich textures (for example earth, knitted wool and feathers) and often function as three dimensional illusions as well as book illustrations.

What themes does Jeannie Baker commonly explore in her work?

Her books frequently explore the natural world, ideas of home and belonging, and close visual observation; many titles invite readers to reflect on place and relationships through imagery.

Is there a reading order or series to her books?

Most of Jeannie Baker's titles are standalone picture books rather than a continuous series, so there is no strict reading order. Readers often start with well known, award-winning titles such as Window, Where the Forest Meets the Sea or Mirror.

How does Jeannie Baker create her illustrations and how long does a book take?

She builds collage illustrations from many textured materials combined with conventional art media to achieve a three dimensional effect. A single book can take up to three years to produce.

Has Jeannie Baker received notable awards for her books?

Yes. Her work has received multiple national and international honours, including the CBCA Picture Book of the Year (Window, 1992), Australian Picture Book of the Year Honour Book (Belonging, 2005), and Mirror won the Indie Book Awards children’s category and was joint winner of the 2011 CBCA Picture Book award. Other shortlistings and recognitions include the Kate Greenaway shortlisting, Boston Globe Horn Book honour and IBBY recognition.