Another in a long line of writers born elsewhere yet able to capture Australian life so beautifully, Ruth Park’s writing has had a lasting effect on both adults and children for over 60 years.
Born in Auckland to a Scottish father and a Swedish mother, Park moved to Australia in 1942 where she had lined up a job with a newspaper.
Her first novel was The Harp in the South, a graphic story of Irish slum life in Sydney, which has been translated into 37 languages. Even though it was acclaimed by literary critics, the book proved controversial with sections of the public due to its candour. It remains her most popular novel and has never been out of print.
Between 1946 and 2004, she received numerous awards for her contributions to literature in both Australia and internationally including the Miles Franklin Award for Swords and Crowns and Rings in 1977. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987.
Deborah Niland is the daughter of Australian writers, Ruth Park and D'Arcy Niland. From an early age she developed an interest in art, and particularly illustration.Deborah studied art at the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney. While in London, Deborah and her sister Kilmeny began their art careers by illustrating a book for Transworld Publishers. Other books for this publisher followed over the years.Mulga Bill's Bicycle was the illustrated book that became a classic. Published in 1973 in Sydney, it is still in print. In 2007, a new edition of this title was issued by HarperCollins Australia.Deborah has illustrated many popular books including When the Wind Changed by Ruth Park and There's a Hippopotamus on our Roof eating Cake by Hazel Edwards. In 2005 Deborah wrote and illustrated Annie's Chair, This book, won the CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood in 2006.
