Telling Stories

Meet Maudie, a plucky young girl, and her friend Bear, a gentle giant with a heart of gold.

In Telling Stories Maudie gets upset with Bear because he falls asleep during one of her stories. But how will Maudie react when the shoe’s on the other foot?

About the Author

Author Jan Ormerod was born in 1946 in Perth, Western Australia, and spent her childhood following artistic pursuits. In 1971, Jan met her husband -- a children's librarian -- and the birth of their first child spurred Jan into illustrating picture books. Jan first came to prominence from her wordless picture book Sunshine which won the 1982 Mother Goose Award and the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award. Jan has since had 50 books published, many of which return to themes connected with her home country, including Shake A Leg which went on to win the Australian Prime Minister's Literary Award. Jan passed away on 23 January 2013. She was 66 years old.

Illustrator Freya Blackwood is one of the most talented children's illustrators in the world today. Her stunning and iconic illustrations perfectly capture the warmth and complexity of growing up. While warm and classic, her style has a unique quality that renders her work instantly recognisable. The pathos of her characters is a joy to behold, and her work has deservedly captured international attention and a swag of awards and nominations. These include the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal (2010), which is the UK's most prestigious award for children's illustration, and multiple CBCA awards. Freya lives in Orange, NSW, with her daughter, Ivy.