The Hip Hop Barn

Mandy graduated from the University of South Australia in 1992 completing a Bachelor of Design specialising in Illustration. She then made a beeline for the Adelaide Zoo beginning her career as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer enjoying a decade-long relationship with the Zoo Education Service. Other things Mandy did along the way include working as an Account Manager for high quality printing firms for 10 years and finishing artist for various advertising agencies. Mandy now works freelance full time and loves to share her passion for animals. She has illustrated many best-selling children’s books since 2008, predominantly with an Australian theme.

Phil is an award-winning author who developed a love of children’s literature when working as a teacher. It was during this time that Phil decided to write a children’s book. He soon discovered that it wasn’t easy, and after seven years of rejection, Phil’s first book Goodness Gracious!, illustrated by Craig Smith, was published by Omnibus/Penguin in 1989. Since then, Phil has written over sixty books for children. His most recent titles include Echidna Jim Went For A Swim, Be Brave Pink Piglet, Anzac Biscuits, Ride, Ricardo, Ride!, Bridie’s Boots, and Boy.