Dirt by Sea

When Daisy mishears the lyrics of the national anthem, Dad declares a road trip in Mum’s Kombi to show her that Australia is an island, girt by sea, even if it is a very large one. Thus begins a lengthy graphic-novel-format picture book ideal for children aged four and up. All primary and lower high school students will appreciate this ode to the Australian coastline. Tom Jellett’s illustrations are vibrant and engaging, and some of his best work to date. He offers recognisable glimpses of iconic locations without sacrificing the story to what might have been cliche. However, it is the relatable relationship between ‘Daze’ and Dad that draws the reader onward, in what is a subtly poignant and deftly constructed conversation unfolding entirely in speech bubbles. Wagner has contrasted the differing yet compatible types of adventurousness and energy levels in a way that provides humour and heart. In fact, it is the emotion surrounding the (unexplained) long absence of Mum, and the affection held for her that ties the story together so surely. Fleeting and friendly encounters with strangers also build a sense of mateship often associated with Australian culture. Both author and illustrator know exactly when to pull back and allow the other to shine and, together, they have created something rather special. Michael Earp has 20 years of children’s specialist bookselling experience and manages The Little Bookroom.

Michael Wagner

Michael Wagner is a children’s author, speaker and storyteller. He writes for early childhood and for older children and his recent books include Why I Love Footy illustrated by Tom Jellett. Prior to becoming a children’s author, Michael played in a band that almost became famous, spent ten years working as a radio broadcaster with the ABC, wrote and produced award-winning animation for television, and wrote and performed comedy. He is the author of the Maxx Rumble series, the Undys series and the Ted series. He also runs the publishing venture, Billy Goat Books.

Tom Jellett

Tom Jellett is an Australian illustrator based in Sydney. Tom has been an editorial illustrator for News Limited, working on The Australian, The Weekend Australian and The Daily Telegraph and his work has appeared in the South China Morning Post, The Week and Medical Observer. He is an acclaimed children’s book illustrator whose work includes a series about a little pirate (The Littlest Pirate), books about a teddy bear called Ted (Ted Goes Wild, Ted Gets Lost and Ted Hits Town) and the Sporty Kids series, written by Felice Arena. His picture books with Justine Clarke and Arthur Baysting, The Gobbledygook is Eating a Book and The Gobbledygook and the Scribbledynoodle have been Australian bestsellers. His other acclaimed picture books include Why I Love Footy and Why I Love Summer with Michael Wagner, and Grandpa’s Big Adventure written by Paul Newman. In 2011, Tom was included in the editorial category for Illustrators 53, exhibited at the Society of Illustrators, New York.

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