Ships In The Field

Ships In The Field

by Susanne Gervay and illustrated by Anna Pignataro
ISBN: 978-1-876462-87-1
www.fordstreetpublishing.com

Award-winning author Susanne Gervay and award-winning illustrator Anna Pignataro are part of that immigrant and refugee story. Susanne's parents were post war Hungarian refugees who migrated to Australia. Anna's parents were post war Italian refugees who migrated to Australia.

In a unique collaboration, Susanne and Anna have created a moving and significant picture book, Ships in the Field. It crosses boundaries in a universal recognition that children are part of the journey of war, migration, loss and healing. Through warmth, humour, pathos and story within story, it breaks the silence engaging children, families and community.

Award winning Illustrator Anna Pignataro illustrates Susanne Gervay's Ships in the Field

The daughter of Italian refugees, Anna Pignataro has illustrated since a child as a way to make sense of the immigrant experience and explore her creativity. However unlike Susanne, she always knew she'd become an illustrator for young people.

After completing art college she worked in graphic design and teaching, and painted murals for theatre plays and shops. Anna has created more than forty books including her best selling 'Princess and Fairy' series; illustrated works by some of Australia's most renowned authors including Gillian Rubenstein and Colin Thompson; and won many awards for her work. Anna was awarded the prestigious Children's Book Council Australia, Crichton Award for Children's Book Illustration; shortlisted for Picture Book of the Year by the Children's Book Council of Australia; received CBCA Notable Awards in 2001, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009.

Ships in the Field - Mother and child Page 14 spread from Ships in the Field

Many of her picture books have sold rights throughout the world and her illustrations are exhibited widely including solo exhibitions, and held in private collections in a number of different countries. Her critically acclaimed books, 'Always and Together' and her series, 'Princess and Fairy', with its make-believe world of rabbits are enjoyed in many different languages. 'Princess and Fairy' was included in the 2009 - The Kids Top 50 books voted by Australian children nationwide.

Australia Day Ambassador and Order of Australia

Susanne is proud to be an Australia Day Ambassador awarded an Order of Australia. On the 26th January Australia Day she gives an Australia Day address carrying the message of 'Ships in the Field' to regional Australia.

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