Dec 13, 2023

Australia’s favourite kid’s author, illustrator, fairy godmother Shirley Barber dies at 88

Untitled design - 2023-12-13T100517.095
Shirley Barber's books and merchandise have been a popular part of childhood for many Aussies. [Source: The Advertiser]

Australia’s beloved children’s author, illustrator and fairy lover Shirley Barber has died aged 88. 

In a statement by her publisher Brolly Books, it was confirmed the author of early reading staples such as Rainbow Magic and The Tooth Fairy died “peacefully in her sleep” on Tuesday morning. 

A third-generation artist and avid writer since her childhood, Ms Barber grew up in the Channel Islands before moving to Australia in the 1960s where she developed a love of nature and painting.

She received her first publishing deal with Memory Press in the late 1980s with her picture book Martha B. Rabbit: The Fairies’ Cook but publishers were unsure how it would be received by the public. 

Shirley barber
Two of Ms Barber’s popular children’s books. [Source: Amazon]

“The publishers need not have worried,” Brolly Books wrote in their statement. 

During her career, Ms Barber authored and illustrated more than 30 original picture books, each in a distinct style of rich detail, beautiful animated characters, and strong visual scenescapes. 

Her books, diaries and calendars have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and have since inspired spin-off merchandise including jigsaws, clothing and stickers.

A pioneer of children’s fantasy stories, Ms Barber encountered criticism for venturing into this genre and creating works aimed at children but remained committed to creating a beautiful retreat for children through her stories and artwork. 

“In each of Shirley’s children’s books there are gentle messages of kindness, caring, friendship, and peace, never overstated but simply conveyed by the characters in her stories and their actions.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Keeping adolescents out of aged care: First Australian hospice for young adults

Young adults living with incurable illnesses will have access to waterfront respite care when Australia’s first hospice for young people opens on Sydney’s northern beaches next year. Read More

Aged care residents should have ‘dignity of choice’ regarding COVID isolation

Aged care provider BaptistCare and the families of BaptistCare residents have written open letters to the PM which call for drastic changes to COVID isolation protocols. The letters also highlight that aged care has been underfunded since well before the pandemic. Read More

Government concerned by Enrolled Nurse job redundancies

The Federal Government has called on aged care providers to reconsider decisions to make Enrolled Nurses (ENs) redundant, labelling it as an unacceptable move for the industry. Read More
Advertisement