Meet Andrew Kelly

Born and raised on a wheat and sheep farm in the southern Mallee area of Victoria, Andrew Kelly is the 13th of 14 children. Inspired by his life in rural Australia, Andrew has written and produced a number of touring stage plays.  He now teaches music at the Swan Hill Primary School. Cry Hard Chucky is  Andrew’s first children’s picture book. 

Emma Stuart has been illustrating Children’s books for the past 20 years. In this time she has illustrated over 200 books. Published by Hachette, New Frontier, Little steps,  Brolly Books and Book Group, Emma has also recently worked on a title for the Duchess of York through Serenity Press. In August 2023, Emma  had her first author / illustrated early childhood picture book published by Serenity press; "Peewii and the Tree". A book aimed at teaching little ones about the magic and importance of trees.

Emma works primarily with water colours, but also works with acrylics, oils, pen and ink and pencil. Her characters are full of life and bring a real sense of ‘light heartedness’ to the reader.  Recent awards and acknowledgements include 2021 "Literary Titan Book Awards" for "Charlie, Blue and Larry Lamppost" (written by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York).  “International book awards FINALIST” for “Climb” (written by Caroline Tuohey) 2014. Shortlisted for Australia’s “Speech Pathology” book of the year awards 2013.   As well as illustration, Emma also exhibits landscape works regularly through Jacob Hoerner Galleries,Melbourne.