Roland Harvey facts for kids

Roland Bruce Harvey (born 11 December 1945) is a famous Australian artist and writer. He is best known for drawing amazing pictures in children's books. He uses pen, ink, and watercolour paints to create his detailed and funny illustrations. Roland Harvey also started his own book company called Five Mile Press.

Early Life of Roland Harvey

Roland Harvey was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on December 11, 1945.

Roland Harvey's Career

People often say Roland Harvey's artworks have a "witty slapstick style." This means his drawings are very clever and full of funny, playful actions. They are also known for being very detailed and humorous.

Before becoming a full-time artist and author, Harvey was an architect. An architect is someone who designs buildings. In 1978, he started his own company, Roland Harvey Studios. This company focused on creating illustrations and designs.

In 1981, he grew his business even more by starting his own book publishing company, Five Mile Press. His special part of the company, Roland Harvey Books, aims to publish books that are not only fun to read but also teach kids about important ideas and issues.

Harvey has written many picture books and funny history books for young readers.

Awards and Recognition

Roland Harvey's work has won many awards and been recognized for its quality. Here are some of his achievements:

• 1989: His book My Place in Space was named an Honour Book at the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards (CBCA). Another book, The Friends of Emily Culpepper, was also praised.
• 1986: Burke and Wills was a finalist for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards.
• 1986: Burke and Wills won the Clifton Pugh Award for its amazing illustrations.
• 1999: Islands in My Garden won The Wilderness Society Environment Award.
• 2001: Sick As: Bloody Moments in the History of Medicine was a finalist for the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards.
• 2001: It was also a finalist for the CBCA Eve Pownall Award for Information Books.
• 2005: He received the prestigious Dromkeen Medal for his contributions to children's literature.
• 2012: The Little Dragon was a finalist in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards. It was recognized as a great book for helping young children develop language skills.
• 2017: On the River was named a notable book at the CBCA Book of the Year Awards for Children's Picture Books.

List of Books for Kids

Here is a list of some of the children's books Roland Harvey has worked on:

1. Eureka Stockade (1981)
2. The First Fleet (1982)
3. The Friends of Emily Culpepper (1983)
4. Burke and Wills (1985)
5. My Place in Space (1988)
6. Milly Fitzwilly's Mousecatcher (1991)
7. Islands in My Garden (1998)
8. Sick As - Bloody Moments in the History of Medicine (2000)
9. At the Beach: Postcards from Crabby Spit (2004)
10. In the Bush : Our Holiday at Wombat Flat (2005)
11. In the City : Our Scrapbook of Souvenirs (2007)
12. Belvedere Dreaming (2002)
13. Belvedere in the City (2002)
14. Belvedere Is Beached (2002)
15. Climbing Mount Sugarbin: Aussie Bites (2003)
16. Islands in my Garden (2002)
17. The Secret Record of Me (2007)
18. Roland Harvey's Big Book of Christmas (2008)
19. Saving Mr Pinto (2008)
20. The Shadow Brumby (2007)
21. Circus Pony (2007)
22. Racing the Tide (2007)
23. In the City: Our Scrapbook of Souvenirs (2008)
24. To the Top End: Our trip across Australia (2009)
25. All the Way to W.A.: Our Search for Uncle Kev (2019)