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SHORTLIST, 2021 CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS, EVE POWNALL AWARD

NOTABLES, 2021 CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS, EVE POWNALL AWARD

Matthew Flinders was determined to map the entire coast of the continent we now call Australia.

His story is packed to the gunwales with adventure – storms and shipwrecks, death and danger, a race to beat the French.

But more than this, it is a story of loyalty to his crew, love for his wife, and affection for the brave little cat who sailed with him.

About the Author

Carole Wilkinson is a children’s author who writes historical fiction and non-fiction. She is best known for her much-loved Dragonkeeper double trilogy set in Han Dynasty China (winner of two Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year awards, as well as a number of children’s choice awards, and published in 17 countries). The first book of the series is currently being made into a movie.

Carole embarked on her writing career at the age of 40, leaving behind her previous employment as a laboratory technician in jobs involving blood and brains. She has been making up for lost time ever since. She has a fascination with dragons and is interested in the history of everything. Her books are a combination of imagination and meticulous research.

Carole’s passion for history is evident in her engaging non-fiction books which explore everything from the life of Ned Kelly to how young children can help control climate change. Her most recent non-fiction books are Putting Australia on the Map, about the gradual discovery of Australia; and Matthew Flinders: Adventures on Leaky Ships, which is all about the man who was the first person to circumnavigate Australia and who finished the map of Australia.

About the Illustrator

Prue Pittock was born in Melbourne, Australia. After studying art and design she worked in advertising, which led to her dream job, illustrating and designing record covers for EMI Australia.

Working mainly in two colours, Prue developed her own style and the love of a limited palette. During this time, she illustrated a junior fiction novel, The Lilly-Pilly.

After years of painting and ceramics, Prue has returned to her passion for illustration.