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Matt Ottley Matt Ottley i(A47542 works by) (a.k.a. Matthew Ottley)
Born: Established: 1962 Goroka, Eastern Highlands,
c
Papua New Guinea,
c
Pacific Region,
;
Gender: Male
Arrived in Australia: 1975
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BiographyHistory

Ottley was born at Goroka in the Papua New Guinea Highlands. He has written and illustrated children's books, including many children's information books, and has also worked as a stockman, landscape gardener and creative artist. Ottley's art has been exhibited in Australia and Europe. A classical guitarist and composer, Ottley has studied art and music.

Most Referenced Works

Notes

  • For information about this author's works for children, particularly foreign editions not yet included in AustLit, see Australian Children's Books by Marcie Muir and Kerry White (Melbourne: Melbourne University Press, 1992-2003).

Awards for Works

y separately published work icon How to Make a Bird Newtown : Walker Books Australia , 2020 19897910 2020 single work picture book

'Extraordinary imagery and rich language spark the reader's imagination as they enter the creative world of a young girl.

'From award-winning author Meg McKinlay and celebrated artist Matt Ottley comes a moving and visually stunning picture book that celebrates the transformative power of the creative process from inception through recognition to celebration and releasing into the world. We shadow the protagonist as she contemplates the blue print of an idea, collects the things that inspire from the natural world to shape a bird. And breathes life into it before letting it fly free. It shows how small things, combined with a little imagination and a steady heart, can transform into works of magic.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

2021 shortlisted Prime Minister's Literary Awards Children's Fiction
2021 shortlisted Queensland Literary Awards Children's Book Award
2020 winner Western Australian Premier's Book Awards Premier's Prize for Writing for Children
2021 winner Crystal Kite Award Australian and New Zealand Division
2021 winner CBCA Book of the Year Awards Picture Book of the Year
2021 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Notable Book Picture Books
y separately published work icon The Incredible Freedom Machines Lindfield : Scholastic Australia , 2018 10329380 2018 single work picture book children's

'In this sumptuous story of exploration and breaking boundaries, a young girl uncovers her very own freedom machine vehicle that carries her to all kinds of wondrous places.'  (Publication summary)

2019 shortlisted Prime Minister's Literary Awards Children's Fiction
2019 shortlisted Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards Indigenous Children
2019 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Notable Book
y separately published work icon Sarah And The Steep Slope Richmond : Hardie Grant Egmont , 2017 11610783 2017 single work picture book children's

'When everything feels like an uphill battle, your friends will get you through.
 
'Sarah wakes to find a steep hill has sprung up around the house overnight, preventing her from leaving. No matter what she tries, the hill won’t budge. When the Hill Doctor suggests she gets in touch with her friends, Sarah discovers how the healing power of friendship can transform the steepest slope.' (Publication summary)

2018 shortlisted CBCA Book of the Year Awards Notable Book Picture Book of the Year
Last amended 28 Oct 2021 10:45:19
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