Violet and Nothing
Written & illustrated by Fiona Burrows
Published by Fremantle Press
Published May 1st 2019
Buy it here or contact me for a signed copy
* * * Shortlisted in the WA Premier’s Book Awards 2019 for the Premier’s Prize for Writing for Children! * * *
Violet is a little girl with big ideas. She is always thinking. One day she starts thinking about nothing. What is nothing? Where is nothing? Is it real? A thought-provoking picture book for curious kids.
“This joyful picture book follows Violet as she looks for nothing. Where is it and what can it be? With radiant illustrations of family life and the inside of an inquisitive child’s mind, Violet and Nothing is a delightful romp from start to finish.”
—Judges’ comments, 2019 WA Premier’s Prize for Writing for Children
“The highlight of this book is the incredible illustrations. The pages are bursting with colour, life and imagination and perfectly capture the inquisitive and thoughtful young Violet.” —Rebecca Blakeny, for CBCA Reading Time
Original artworks and prints from Violet & Nothing were exhibited at the State Library of Western Australia from September - January 2020.
Teachers’ notes available here
The Friendly Games
Written by Kaye Baillie
Illustrated by Fiona Burrows
Published by MidnightSun Publishing
Published June 1st 2020
Buy it here or contact me for a signed copy
* * * Shortlisted in the NSW Premier’s History Awards for the Young People’s History Prize * * *
In 1956 Melbourne hosted the Summer Olympic Games. Student John Ian Wing was so proud of his country, one of the friendliest places on earth. But when world tensions dominated the news, John wrote an urgent letter suggesting how to change the Closing Ceremony, a small decision which changed Olympic history and brought all the nations together as one. This picturebook celebrates diversity, collaboration and togetherness, and tells the story of a remarkable period in Australia's history and the power of one person to create lasting change.
“This is a beautifully produced book. Fiona Burrows’ striking vintage-look illustrations are a marvel, giving the book a retrospective feel…Readers will take heart from the story’s inspirational message and its relevance today – that young people, like the passionate yet humble John Wing, can effect change.”
—Maura Pierlot, for CBCA Reading Time
“The Friendly Games is an inspirational retelling of the creation of the Parade of Athletes, the result of John’s decision to write to the Olympics organisers with his vision of athletes of all nations walking as one. … It evokes the excitement but also the political tensions of the 1956 Olympic Games and celebrates how one young person spread a powerful message of friendship.”
—Judges’ comments, NSW Premier’s History Awards
Teachers’ notes available here.
The Day We Built the Bridge
Written by Samantha Tidy
Illustrated by Fiona Burrows
Published by MidnightSun Publishing
Published Feb 1st 2019
Buy it here or contact me for a signed copy
“For an absolute glorious commemoration of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and an evocative journey of the senses, you must experience this picture book.” — Dimity Powell, for Boomerang Books
“This stylish picture book tells the story of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, from its inception as an idea in 1890, to its completion as a real-life bridge in 1932. For ages 4 and up.” — from Readings 100 Great Reads from Australian Women & Gender Diverse Authors in 2019
Teachers’ notes available here
Twelve Days of Kindness
Written by Cori Brooke
Illustrated by Fiona Burrows
Published by New Frontier Books
Hardcover published November 1st 2019
Softcover published October 1st 2020
* * * Shortlisted in the 2021 West Australian Young Readers’ Book Awards (Picture Book)! * * *
Buy it here
One little girl realises that the new girl in her class is struggling to make friends. With the help of their football coach they come up with a plan. Can their school football team bring them together, and expand their friendship group?
“An effective lesson about acceptance, welcoming strangers, friendship and of course, kindness, beautifully delivered in Cori Brooke’s straightforward narrative and Fiona Burrows’ powerful pictures of the girls is one to share and discuss in lower classrooms especially.” — Jill Bennett, for Red Reading Hub
Teacher’s notes available here