First Friend

By:   Christobel Mattingley
Illustrated by:   Craig Smith
Imprint:   Puffin
Country of Publication:   Australia
Dimensions:   Height: 198mm,  Width: 129mm,  Spine: 5mm
Weight:   96g
ISBN:   9780141308944
ISBN 10:   014130894X
Pages:   80
Publication Date:   03 September 2019
Recommended Age:   From 5 to 8 years
Audience:   Children/juvenile ,  Children / Juvenile
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Christobel Mattingley (Author) Christobel Mattingley has been writing since she was eight years old and had her first pieces published in the children's pages of magazines and newspapers. Her first book, The Picnic Dog, was published in 1970, when she had three young children. While they were growing up she worked as a librarian in schools and in a teachers' college. She has been self-employed as a writer since 1974 and has travelled widely in Australia and overseas, speaking in schools and libraries. Christobel Mattingley has published over 30 books for children. Some of her works have been translated into other languages, have won various awards in Australia and the USA, and have been made into films for ABC Television. For most of the 1980s she worked with Aboriginal people and researched the history Survival in Our Land. In 1990 she received the Advance Australia Award for Service to Literature, and in 1996 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to literature, particularly children's literature, and for community service through her commitment to social and cultural issues. No Gun for Asmir received a High Commendation in the Australian Human Rights Awards of 1994. Craig Smith (Illustrator) Craig Smith's warm, exuberant illustrations have delighted children for more than thirty years. Craig has several award-winners to his credit and his titles appear regularly on Children's Choice Award shortlists. Finding humour in domestic, family and school situations, and a fondness for unusual perspectives and energetic characterisation are features of his work.