Tina Matthews facts for kids

Christina "Tina" Matthews (born in 1961 in Wellington, New Zealand) is a talented author, illustrator, and puppet maker. She was born in New Zealand and now works in Sydney, Australia. Tina also played the bass guitar in music groups like The Wide-Mouthed Frogs and The Crocodiles.

Tina Matthews' Life and Work

Tina Matthews has had an exciting career in both music and creative arts. She is known for her amazing puppet creations and her beautiful picture books.

Early Music Career

In 1979, Tina joined an all-girl band called The Wide Mouthed Frogs in Wellington. She played the bass guitar. Other members included Jenny Morris on vocals, Katie Brockie, Andrea Gilkison, Bronwyn Murray, and Sally Zwartz.

The band released a song called "Some Day" in 1979. They also performed at the big Sweetwaters Music Festival in 1980. After the festival, The Wide Mouthed Frogs decided to stop playing together.

Tina also performed at the Sweetwaters Music Festival with another band, The Crocodiles. In April 1980, The Crocodiles released their first album, Tears. Both the album and its main song, "Tears," became very popular. In 1980, The Crocodiles won awards for 'Best Group' and 'Most Promising Group' at the New Zealand Music Awards.

Becoming a Puppet Maker

Tina started making puppets in 1979. She worked on a community arts project called Summer City in New Zealand. In 1982, Tina moved to Sydney, Australia. There, she learned from expert puppet makers like Ross Hill and Beverley Campbell-Jackson.

During the 1980s, Tina improved her puppet-making skills. She even worked on the famous Jim Henson movie Labyrinth, which starred David Bowie. Later, she helped create puppets for Australian TV shows. These included The Ferals, Bananas in Pyjamas, and The Upside Down Show with The Umbilical Brothers.

Writing and Illustrating Books

Tina Matthews is also a successful author and illustrator. Her books are known for their unique artwork.

Out of the Egg

Tina's first book, Out of the Egg, was published in 2007. It was released in Australia, New Zealand, and the US. The book features beautiful Japanese woodblock prints. Out of the Egg was nominated for an award in 2008. It won the 'Best First Book' award at the New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Waiting for Later

In 2011, Tina published Waiting for Later. This book tells the story of a young girl growing up during an autumn afternoon. It explores themes of family, loving nature, and becoming independent. The illustrations in this book use wood block and stencil prints. Waiting for Later was nominated for several awards, including the LIANZA Russell Clark award for illustration.

A Great Cake

Tina's picture book, A Great Cake, is all about imaginative play and cooking at home. It uses stencils and woodblock prints for its illustrations. A Great Cake was nominated for the 2013 NZ Post Book Awards. It also won the LIANZA Russell Clark Award for illustration.

So Many Wonderfuls

So Many Wonderfuls is a picture book for all ages. It was published in 2014.

Do What You're Doing

In 2017, Tina self-published Do What You're Doing. This book is a read-aloud story that can also be sung. It teaches about the problems of being distracted by digital devices. It also shows the joy of focusing on one thing at a time. A music group called the Eeore Chanticleers turned it into a song.

HOME

In 2018, Tina published HOME. This is a special frieze/book based on a poem by Emily Dickinson.

Other Creative Projects

In 1993, Tina Matthews created and sold the Black and White Baby Mobile. This mobile is designed for newborn babies. It has sold over 40,000 copies and is still made and sold in New Zealand and Australia today.

Besides creating books, Tina has taught puppetry for many years. She taught at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in Sydney. In May 2014, she was a writer and illustrator in residence at the University of New England, Armidale.

Discography

The Crocodiles