Profile
At school, drawing was always what Leigh Hobbs ‘was best at’ and English History was his favourite subject. As a child, Leigh preferred books about castles, knights, battles and pirates to most children’s books.
His first job in 1974 – after art school – was at Sydney’s Luna Park where he created two giant caricature figures called Larry and Lizzy Luna. Though he works across a wide range of mediums, Leigh is best known for the children’s books he has written and illustrated featuring his characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona the Pig, Mr Badger, The Freaks in 4F and Mr Chicken.
Recently, he was honoured by Australia Post with his own stamp.
Leigh, who was the Australian Children's Laureate in 2016-17, gets up very early every day. He walks the dogs, has breakfast and is in his studio by 8am. "I can’t imagine not being an artist," he says.
Author website: leighhobbs.com
Awards and Honours:
Awards
· Australia Post Legends Award 2019
Shortlisted:
· Mr Chicken goes to Paris: Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year, 2010
· Old Tom: Prime Minister’s Literary Awards
· Horrible Harriet: Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year, 2002
· Old Tom’s Holiday: Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year, 2002
