A Present for Junket

Mandy Wildsmith knows a lot about bookshops and how to sell a book. She has been a sales rep for more than twenty years; she has been awarded Victorian Rep of the Year five times and recognised for her contribution to the publishing industry with the George Robertson award.

Aside from her love of books, Mandy also knows a lot about tennis (she was a professional coach!) and loves a good horror film. Despite being a cat person, she fell in love with her best friend’s polar bear–like dogs, Gherkin and Junket – the inspiration behind her first picture book, A Present for Junket.

Nancy Liu is a Taiwanese watercolour artist based in Melbourne, Australia. Her charming and whimsical illustrations are often inspired by her two hilarious cats, whose antics never fail to spark her creativity. Nancy’s work captures the playful and heartwarming moments of everyday life, brought to life with her unique watercolour style. You can find her showcasing her art at major handmade markets across Australia, where she connects with fellow art enthusiasts and collectors. Nancy is also the proud author–illustrator of the enchanting picture book Mr. Otter’s Adventure.