Meet... Nancy Bird Walton

Description

A picture book series about the extraordinary men and women who have shaped Australia's history, including Australia's first female commercial pilot, Nancy Bird Walton. Nancy Bird Walton grew up during the golden age of aviation. By the time she was 13, Nancy knew she wanted to fly. When she was 18 Nancy studied under the famous aviator Charles Kingsford Smith. This is the story of how Nancy began her career as Australia s first female commercial pilot.

Grace Atwood loves stories of all kinds. She lives in Sydney with her family and a slightly unhinged silver bengal cat. As a child growing up in the 1970s, Harry Slaghekke was always captivated by the exciting and powerful illustrations used on model construction kits of that era, and how they would transport him to other dramatic times and places. Very often the theme was aviation, a passion that has remained with him. Whilst at art school Harry had the good fortune to learn those same full-colour rendering skills that he had once admired. These days, Harry works as an illustrator, taking on the challenge of making clients' ideas come to life through a variety of styles and subjects, as well as some of the influences from nostalgic imagery that was used during the 40s and 50s. He s always drawing, even when he s not working,often life drawing for his own pleasure and satisfaction. The opportunity to contribute to this book is a chance to blend that love of aviation, with illustration.