Briony Stewart facts for kids

Briony Stewart is an Australian author and illustrator. She creates books especially for children and young people. Her stories often feature fantasy adventures and beautiful illustrations. She has won several awards for her creative work.

Who is Briony Stewart?

Briony Stewart is a talented writer and artist from Australia. She was born in Subiaco, Western Australia. Since 2007, she has been busy writing and drawing. She is known for her imaginative children's books. Briony is also a mother of two children.

Briony Stewart's Books

Briony Stewart has written and illustrated many different types of books. She creates exciting fantasy stories and gentle picture books. Her work often explores important feelings and ideas.

The Kumiko Series: Fantasy Adventures

Briony Stewart's first book was Kumiko and the Dragon. It was published by University of Queensland Press. This book won an award called the Voices on the Coast Youth Literature Festival writing award. Briony's Japanese grandmother inspired the story.

Kumiko and the Dragon won the Aurealis Award for Best Children's Short Fiction. It was also named a Notable book by the Children's Book Council of Australia in 2008.

What are the Kumiko books about?

The Kumiko series tells a fantasy adventure story. It includes references to Japanese folktales and myths. Two more books followed: Kumiko and the Dragon's Secret (2010) and Kumiko and the Shadow Catchers (2011). These books complete the exciting trilogy. In 2012, Kumiko and the Shadow Catchers won the Queensland Literary Awards in the Children's Book category.

Picture Books by Briony Stewart

Briony Stewart also creates wonderful picture books. These books use pictures to tell a story.

The Red Wheelbarrow

Her first picture book was The Red Wheelbarrow, published in 2012. This book has no words. It was inspired by a famous poem by William Carlos Williams. The book celebrates the beauty in small, everyday moments.

The Red Wheelbarrow was shortlisted for an award. It was also a CBCA notable book. In 2015, it was chosen for an international project. This project, by IBBY, featured "silent books." These books travel as an exhibition.

Here in the Garden

In 2014, Briony published another picture book, Here in the Garden. This gentle book talks about feelings like loss and grief. It shows how a child experiences these emotions.

Collaborations and Other Works

Briony Stewart has also worked with other creators. She has illustrated books written by different authors.

Illustrating for Others

After her children were born, Briony began illustrating for other writers. She illustrated a series of three picture books. These books were written by Australian comedian Jimmy Rees.

The Magoo Series

As a solo creator, Briony wrote and illustrated two picture books. These books are about a playful dog named Magoo. The first book, We Love You Magoo, won an Honour Book prize in 2021. This award came from the Children's Book Council of Australia.

Accidentally Kelly Street

Briony Stewart also adapted a popular song into a picture book. The book is called Accidentally Kelly Street. It is based on the 1993 song by the band Frente. The book uses the song's lyrics. Many people, including singer Angie Heart, have praised the book.

Award-Winning Junior Fiction

In 2022, Briony Stewart won a major award. She and author Sherryl Clark jointly won the Prime Minister's Literary Awards. They won in the children’s literature category. Their winning book was a junior fiction verse-novel called Mina and the Whole Wide World.