Australian Children's Authors: Alison Lester and Mem Fox Share Insights
Alison Lester and Mem Fox, two prominent Australian children's authors, have shared insights into their careers, creative processes, and the inspirations behind their well-known works. Lester, an author and illustrator, maintains a studio in Nar Nar Goon, Victoria, while Fox, whose career began with "Possum Magic," developed her craft after observing a need for Australian stories in children's literature.
Alison Lester's Creative Journey
Alison Lester, an Australian children's author and illustrator, operates her studio in Nar Nar Goon, located south-east of Melbourne. The studio, with views of her garden and a paddock, serves as her primary illustration space. Lester draws inspiration from nature, typically illustrating from memory rather than direct observation outdoors. Her studio houses art collected over decades and original illustrations from her books, including a piece from her 2013 work, "Kissed by the Moon."
With approximately 50 books to her name, four of Lester's works have been recognized as finalists in Guardian Australia’s best children’s picture book poll. She also maintains a small gallery in Fish Creek, South Gippsland, near her childhood farm, which was the subject of her 1992 book, "My Farm."
The coastal region of Walkerville South, a location for her family's summer holidays, inspired her book "Magic Beach." Originally conceived around a character named Meg and a mermaid, the book's scope was expanded following an editor's suggestion.
"Magic Beach" has sold over 500,000 copies and was adapted into a film in 2024. Lester has noted its sustained local success, attributing it to the book's Australian coastal theme.
Lester's personal animals, including her ginger cat Kaos and Jack Russell terrier Poppy, are often depicted in her illustrations. Her distinct style involves softly grainy pencil drawings, starting with hand sketches using 2B or 6B pencils, which are then photocopied onto watercolor paper. Lester has indicated difficulty with digital art methods.
The initial concept for "Kissed by the Moon," a book Lester identifies as a personal favorite, was sketched on an air sickness bag during a flight; this sketch is now part of the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature archives. The idea for the book emerged from an experience in dappled moonlight, leading Lester to consider the value of natural elements for children. Other significant works for Lester include family-themed books such as "Magic Beach" and "Are We There Yet?". Her career began in 1985 with "Clive Eats Alligators." Currently, Lester is completing "Nicky Catches Koalas," the final installment in a decade-long series focused on children assisting endangered animals globally, a project that involves drawing various animals and consulting with conservationists.
Mem Fox's Path to "Possum Magic"
Mem Fox, another influential Australian children's author, initially aimed to become a writer in 1968, achieving her publishing breakthrough 15 years later with "Possum Magic." After relocating to Adelaide, South Australia, and lecturing in drama, Fox observed a limited availability of Australian picture books while reading to her daughter, Chloë.
This observation prompted her enrollment in a children's literature course at Flinders University. An early assignment to write a book, which Fox initially characterized as straightforward, developed into her first manuscript, "Hush the Invisible Mouse." Sydney-based illustrator Julie Vivas collaborated on this project.
After receiving rejections from nine publishers, the tenth agreed to publish the book under specific conditions: a significant reduction in length and a change of the main character to an Australian possum. This revised version, titled "Possum Magic," was published in 1983.
"Possum Magic" subsequently achieved wide recognition, selling out its initial printing through word of mouth and eventually reaching sales of 5 million copies.
Its success has been attributed to fulfilling a demand for Australian narratives, incorporating local foods, animals, and cities, complemented by Vivas's illustrations.
Fox continued to author other notable picture books, including "Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge" (1984, also with Vivas), "Where Is the Green Sheep?" (2004, illustrated by Judy Horacek), and "Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes" (2008, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury). Several of her works are included among the Top 50 Australian children's picture books.
Fox describes writing for children as a demanding process, despite the concise nature of the genre. She emphasizes the importance of rhythmic and lyrical language, a sensitivity she attributes in part to her childhood exposure to the King James Bible.