I cannot believe I didn't know the significance of Margaret Hamilton in the children's book world. The more I listened, the more grateful and humbled I became. Her portrait on the cover was created by her dear friend, Bruce Whatley.Īlthough the memoir was officially launched months ago, Libby Gleeson, another children's book icon, spoke at my local library reflecting on the remarkable life and career of her dear friend. Margaret's memoir was released in 2022, and she died in November that same year. With her trademark determination, she established Australia as a serious contender for children's books in Australia, publishing modern classics and establishing the careers of countless children's writers. I grew up reading a mish-mash of English and US fiction, and occasionally an Australian title. Margaret's influence in the Australian children's book industry cannot be underestimated. In recent years, I would look at her brochures for writing weekends at Pinerolo, a gorgeous children's book cottage in the Blue Mountains, and say 'one day I'll get there.' In hindsight, I wish I'd paid more attention. The pair of them were treated like royalty, and I confess that although I knew of the legend of Maurice, I had no idea who this Margaret Hamilton was. I was a teacher-librarian at the time, but a CBCA newbie. AI remember seeing Margaret Hamilton at a CBCA conference years and years ago, speaking with Maurice Saxby.
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