Have you heard of Kelly Canby?

Timeless by Kelly Canby

One of the best things about being a picture book author, is getting to partner with incredible illustrators to create a book. People are often curious about how that partnership comes about. Typically, authors will write a story, and once the publisher accepts the story for publication, they pair the story with an illustrator. This is based on a few different things, including the illustration style they think will work well with the story and target market, an illustration style that will sell books, and practical things too, like the availability of the illustrator.

I’m very lucky that my publisher at Windy Hollow Books consults with me about the choice of illustrator, but I have to say I’m always bloody thrilled with everyone they put forward. I’m in awe of the talent of these human beings, and how they can tell a story visually. It’s also humbling that someone wants to put the time and commitment into illustrating a story that I wrote. Because, let’s face it, it’s a lot of work to illustrate a story (at least 16 double spreads of detailed art work). It means they like the story too.

It took a little while to find the right illustrator for The Construction Site Band, but when my publisher told me Kelly Canby was on board, I was so excited. Kelly’s illustrations are pure happiness. They are colourful, and happy and unique, and a perfect match for the Construction Site Band. Kelly won the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) 2024 Book of the Year Award - Picture Book Category, for Timeless (proving she can write as well as illustrate!).

If you want to check out her stuff, go here.