Zana Fraillon – författare

SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPEECH PATHOLOGY AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR AGES 5-8 AWARD 2023''Winning and wondrous, this picture book is a compelling appreciation of neurodiversity'' Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewWith the Curiosities, a whole world of wonders and possibles awaits . . .Miro wakes one morning to find the world isn''t quite the way he thought it was. When the Curiosities choose Miro as the one they nest on, Miro is led to discover all the marvels waiting in the shadows where no-one else looks. Sometimes though, the Curiosities can make Miro feel alone and invisible in the darkness. But perhaps Miro isn''t as alone as he thinks...A beautiful celebration of disability, diversity and pride in who you are, from one of Australia''s most loved and awarded writers for children.''Families and teachers who want to show a window into living with neurodiversity will want to explore this imaginative book'' Youth Services Book Review, US''Readers young and old will be touched by the book''s depths and awakened to a less common, yet infinitely human life experience - not to invoke pity or fear, but to conjure understanding, awe, and interconnectedness'' Booklist

He''s old, this gargoyle. Very old. Older than me. Older than anyone. He looks tired. If I had a seat, I would give it to him.He shuffles past me and stands near the door and watches the city smushing past. I think I hear him sigh. An echoey, achy, hollow sort of sigh, like the wind when it gusts down lanes and through tunnels and in and out of the big drains that stretch under the city.This is the moving story of an old gargoyle, forced off his rooftop to make way for a new development in a barren cityscape, and the child who encounters him on an overcrowded train. When the gargoyle is ordered off the train, he leaves his suitcase behind. The child opens the case and unleashes the gargoyle''s many memories of the city and its inhabitants. When the case crumbles, leaving nothing but a small seed, the child decides to find a place to bring the gargoyle, and the soul of the city, back.An unforgettable story about conservation, ageing and legacies which will leave a forever imprint on your heart.Praise for The Gargoyle:''A sympathetically written and beautifully poignant story'' Schooldaysmagazine.com''Leaves a lasting impression of hope and kindness for our world and all its beings . . . Lyrically sensational . . . striking artwork . . . An exquisite legacy'' Books+Publishing''This is a heartfelt tale with lots of interesting ideas to unpack and at its core a simple plea for kindness and compassion'' ReadPlus''The Gargoyle is a picture book that deserves a place on every child''s bookshelf. It is a book that will spark imagination and curiosity, as well as empathy and compassion'' Better Reading''A touching story about conservation, ageing, kindness and legacy'' Readings, Best Picture Books of 2023''An intriguing, moving story about the transformative powers of empathy'' The Age

A hilarious, fully illustrated tale about an unlikely friendship between a girl and an octopus that is perfect for newly independent readers, from one of Australia''s most respected writers for children and an award-winning illustrator.FOUND!One octopus!Likes to eat tuna sandwiches.Goes by the name of ''Oswald''.It all began when Etta decided to take a bath . . . And realised she wasn''t alone. In the bath sat Oswald. Etta had never had an octopus in her bath before.At first, Etta thinks it might be fun to have Oswald around. But she soon learns that octopuses are not very good at being tidy . . . or cooking . . . or sharing . . . or even playing nicely.Just as Etta has almost had enough, someone comes to claim Oswald. Oswald isn''t perfect, but does Ettareally want to send him away?A QUIRKY AND HILARIOUS ILLUSTRATED SERIES ABOUT AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP . . . THAT MIGHT JUST STEAL YOUR HEART!Praise for Etta and the Octopus:''A story of friendship, acceptance and helpful lists . . . A tale with eight times the fun'' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH''Wholesome, hilarious, unique and a whole lot of fun . . . A charming story about finding friendship in the most unexpected of places'' BETTER READING''A witty, illustrated tale that bridges the often difficult gap between picture book and chapter book . . . Wonderfully done and lovingly brought to life by Andrew Joyner''s illustrations'' READPLUS''Delightful, charming, lighthearted . . . This engaging story is perfect for newly independent readers'' READINGS''Etta and the Octopus conjures curiosity, wonder, humour and suspense to bring a new twist to the age-old tale of an unlikely friendship . . . an ideal choice!'' BOOKS+PUBLISHING

''I enjoyed this strange, inventive and moving tale'' DAVID ALMONDAn unforgettable story of friendship, hope and happiness from renowned Australian writer Zana Fraillon.Are you ready? Are you listening? Something is about to begin.When Ada arrives on the day of the Great Summer Storm, it is like the wind had picked her up and blown her in - walking stick and all - and dumped her right at the front gates of number 9 Hawkhurst Lane.Unfortunately, Ada is not the kind of neighbour Hettie was hoping for. Cranky, impatient and a hater of cats, Ada has no intention of making friends.But as the summer unfolds, Hettie and Ada discover they have more in common than they think. Could their unlikely friendship be the missing piece they never knew they needed?With illustrations by Stephen Michael King.''A gem of a book. The story is a powerful one of community and understanding, exploring deep themes with the lightest of touch - and warm humour. One of the best books I''ve read this year - I loved it'' GILL LEWIS, author of Moonflight''A beautiful story of friendship and love across generations for readers aged 12+ who enjoy Karen Foxlee and Kate DiCamillo''s books'' BOOKS+PUBLISHING