Leigh Hobbs

Leigh Hobbs is an award-winning artist and author best known for his children’s books, including Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, and Mr Chicken. In 2002, Horrible Harriet was shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council Picture Book of the Year Awards, a moment Leigh calls his proudest. In 2003, his book Old Tom’s Holiday replicated the feat, and in 2010, Mr Chicken Goes To Paris, he was once more shortlisted. He has served as the Australian Children’s Laureate, 2016-2017.

Leigh’s work has been seen well beyond the pages of his successful children’s books. An animated television series based on his Old Tom series has been screened across Australia and Europe, and Horrible Harriet has been adapted for the stage, playing at the Sydney Opera House in 2017.

Leigh’s work as an artist has also left an indelible mark on Australia’s iconic Luna Park. Leigh designed the colour scheme of the park’s famous entrance, as well as the creature sitting atop the ‘Spider’ ride inside the park.