Phil Cummings facts for kids

Phil Cummings is a super talented author from South Australia who writes amazing stories for children! He was born in a place called Port Broughton. His very first book, "Goodness Gracious", came out in 1989. Since then, he has written over 100 books for kids, which is a huge number!

From Books to the Stage

Did you know that some of Phil Cummings's books have been turned into plays and musicals? It's true!

Plays and Musicals for Everyone

• In 2008, a group called Windmill Performing Arts created a play based on his book "Boom Bah!". Imagine seeing your favorite book come to life on stage!
• Another one of his books, "Danny Allen was here", was turned into a musical! John Schumann composed the music for it, and it was performed at the Festival of Music in 2012.

Musicals for Schools

Phil Cummings also worked with a musician named Glyn Lehmann to create musicals that schools can perform.

• One musical is called Arlie Abbstock and the Incredible Cape. It's perfect for schools that want to include performing arts in their lessons.
• They also wrote One Drop of Rain, a musical that teaches about important environmental issues.
• And for Children's Book Week, they wrote a special song called A Book Will Take You There.

Awesome Awards

Phil Cummings has won many cool awards for his books!

• He received the Carclew Fellowship in 1998.
• His book "Breakaway" was named a Notable Book by the Children's Book Council of Australia in 2002.
• "Danny Allen was here" was shortlisted for the Adelaide Festival of Arts Awards for Children's Literature in 2008.
• In 2016, “Ride, Ricardo, Ride!” was an Honour Picture Book of the Year by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA).
• His book "Boy" was shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood in 2018.
• "Boy" also won the 2017 Children's Peace Literature Award.
• It was even chosen for the 2021 International Board of Books for Young People (IBBY) Selection of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities. This means it's a really special book that helps people understand different experiences.