Victor Kelleher facts for kids

Victor Kelleher (born in 1939) is an Australian writer. He writes many exciting books, especially for young adults and children.

Victor was born in London, England. When he was fifteen, his family moved to Africa. He spent the next twenty years living, traveling, and studying there. Later, he moved to New Zealand. Victor studied English Literature and earned advanced degrees. He also taught in Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.

While in New Zealand, Victor started writing. He missed Africa a lot, and this feeling inspired him to write stories. In 1976, he moved to Australia with his wife, Alison. He taught at the University of New England for a while. Eventually, he moved to Sydney to become a full-time writer. He even received a special grant that allowed him to spend six months writing in Paris! Many of Victor's books are inspired by his childhood and his adventures in Africa.

Victor Kelleher has won many important awards for his books, including the Australian Children's Book Award.

Amazing Awards

Victor Kelleher has received many special awards for his fantastic books. These awards show how much people love and appreciate his stories!

• 1989 – Children's Peace Literature Award (This award is for books that promote peace.)
• 1993 – COOL Fiction for Older Readers Award for his book Del-Del.
• 1992 – Nominated for the Ditmar Award for Brother Night and Del Del. The Ditmar Awards celebrate Australian science fiction and fantasy.
• 1990 – Nominated for the Ditmar Award for The Red King.
• 1988 – Nominated for the Ditmar Award for The Makers.
• 1987 – Nominated for the Ditmar Award for Taronga.
• 1985 – Won the Ditmar Award for Beast of Heaven.
• 1983 – Won the Children's Book Council of Australia Award for Book of the Year for Master of the Grove.

List of Books

Victor Kelleher has written many books, including exciting series and stand-alone novels.

Book Series

Parkland Series

This series takes readers on an adventure through the world of Parkland.

• Parkland (1994) - Book 1
• Earthsong (1995) - Book 2
• Fire Dancer (1996) - Book 3

Gibblewort the Goblin Series

Join Gibblewort the Goblin on his funny and wild adventures!

• Goblin in the Bush (2002)
• Goblin on the Reef (2003)
• Goblin in the City (2004)
• Goblin in the Rainforest (2004)
• Goblin at the Zoo (2005)
• Goblin in the Snow (2005)
• Goblin at the Beach (2007)
• Gibblewort the Goblin: The Get Me Outta Here! Collection (2014)
• Gibblewort the Goblin: The Winter Escape Collection (2014)
• Gibblewort the Goblin: The Summer Holiday Collection (2014)

Novels

These are stand-alone books, each with its own unique story.

• Forbidden Paths Of Thual (1979)
• Voices from the River (1979)
• The Hunting Of Shadroth (1981)
• Master Of The Grove (1982)
• Africa And After (1983)
• Papio (1984)
• The Green Piper (1984)
• The Beast Of Heaven (1984)
• Taronga (1986)
• The Makers (1987)
• Baily's Bones (1988)
• Em's Story (1988)
• The Red King (1989)
• Wintering (1990)
• Brother Night (1990)
• Del-Del (1992)
• To The Dark Tower (1992)
• Micky Darlin' (1992)
• Rescue! An African Adventure (1992)
• Where The Whales Sing (1994)
• Red Heart (1996)
• Storyman (1996)
• Slow Burn (1997)
• Into The Dark (1999)
• Riding The Whales (1999)
• The Ivory Trail (1999)
• Billy The Baked-Bean Kid (2002)
• Born of the Sea (2003)
• The Grimes Family (2004)
• Dogboy (2006)

Collections

These books are collections of shorter stories.

• The Traveller: Stories of Two Continents (1988)
• Collected Stories (1997)

Aussie Bites

These are shorter, fun books, perfect for a quick read!

• Magic Violin
• The Gorilla Suit
• Tim and Tig (2007)
• What Dino Saw

Picture Books

Victor Kelleher has also written books with beautiful illustrations for younger readers.

• Johnny Wombat (1996) (with Craig Smith)
• Where's God? (2005) (illustrated by Elise Hurst)
• Billy the Baked Bean Kid

Books as Veronica Hart

Victor Kelleher used the name Veronica Hart for two of his books.

• Double God (1994)
• The House That Jack Built