1. Can you tell us something hardly anyone knows about you?
I didn’t read many kids books when I was a boy. I preferred reference books with pictures. I especially liked books about famous people, artists and explorers. As well as books about history, art and architecture.
2. Do you have a nickname and if so, what is it?
My parents called me ‘Jimmy’. They never referred to me as Leigh. I didn’t think to ask why.
3. What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is the world knowing my greatest fear.
4. Can you describe your writing style for us in ten words?
My text says the opposite to what’s in the illustrations.
5. Can you give us five positive words that describe you as a writer?
This question is too difficult.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Old Tom. He’s a survivor and he’s got someone who loves him.
I didn’t read many kids books when I was a boy. I preferred reference books with pictures. I especially liked books about famous people, artists and explorers. As well as books about history, art and architecture.
2. Do you have a nickname and if so, what is it?
My parents called me ‘Jimmy’. They never referred to me as Leigh. I didn’t think to ask why.
3. What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is the world knowing my greatest fear.
4. Can you describe your writing style for us in ten words?
My text says the opposite to what’s in the illustrations.
5. Can you give us five positive words that describe you as a writer?
This question is too difficult.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Old Tom. He’s a survivor and he’s got someone who loves him.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would go back to 1760. I like the clothes, the music and the architecture then. I’d not want to stay in that year for very long. I’d hate the lack of sanitation and electricity.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Congratulations. You always wanted to be an artist and ‘go to England’. And now your books are there, and so are you twice a year.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
The work of artists who are far better than I will ever be.
10. What or who made you start writing?
I’ve always written.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Draw is a word I like. I like drawing.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life what would it be?
Treasure Island. My father used to read it to me when I was very little, at bedtime. That book summons up the wonderful images which thrilled me as a child. Pirates, sailing ships, and buried treasure!
I would go back to 1760. I like the clothes, the music and the architecture then. I’d not want to stay in that year for very long. I’d hate the lack of sanitation and electricity.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Congratulations. You always wanted to be an artist and ‘go to England’. And now your books are there, and so are you twice a year.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
The work of artists who are far better than I will ever be.
10. What or who made you start writing?
I’ve always written.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Draw is a word I like. I like drawing.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life what would it be?
Treasure Island. My father used to read it to me when I was very little, at bedtime. That book summons up the wonderful images which thrilled me as a child. Pirates, sailing ships, and buried treasure!
Leigh Hobbs is a much loved Australian author and illustrator. He is best known for the children's books he writes and illustrates featuring the characters Old Tom, Mr Chicken, Horrible Harriet and Mr Badger. Leigh's latest book, Mr Chicken Lands on London, is published by Allen & Unwin and was released in July 2014. Visit Leigh's website for more information about his books, illustrations and artwork.
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