Jacqui Grantford

Jacqui is a Melbourne based artist, author and illustrator and lives in Parkdale with her two children and very elderly cat aged 20.

Since 2002 she has worked extensively as an illustrator and has had eleven books published including six picture books:

• 'Various Faerious' (Written and illustrated by Jacqui Grantford, Allbooks Editor's Choice Award for 2003)
• 'Shoes News' (Written and illustrated by Jacqui Grantford, NSW Premiers Reading Challenge)
• 'Pemberthy Bear' (Written by Sally Murphy, NSW Premiers Reading Challenge)
• 'A True Person' (Written by Gabiann Marin, White Raven Book, Victorian and NSW Premiers Reading Challenge)
• 'Wishes For One More Day' (Written by Melanie Joy Pastor, included in Children's Literature's Recommended Books)
• 'Squeezy Cuddle Dangly Legs' (out at the end of 2007)

'A True Person', written by Gabian Marin and illustrated by Jacqui was one of the 250 outstanding new international books for children and young adults that have been selected for The White Ravens 2008. The White Raven label is given to books that deserve worldwide attention because of their exceptional and often innovative artistic and literary style and design.

Her artwork has been exhibited in numerous exhibitions. She has exhibited in the Victorian Salon des Refuses for the Archibald three times and has twice won the Peoples' Choice Award.

Her work has been included in calendars and for charity events and auctions.

Jacqui has just started as a broadcaster at 3MBS 103.5 fm, Classically Melbourne.

Jacqui conducts talks and workshops with students of all ages showing the process of writing an illustrating a picture book. She also works as an artist in residence, involving students in a number of activities in the areas of children's literature, illustration and the visual arts such as creating picture books, murals, installations, sculptures, puppet shows, and musical narrative plays. Being a qualified teacher she can take groups of children without a school needing to provide teacher supervision.

She also conducts Art Relaxation groups for adults, providing a creative environment in which they can explore painting, drawing and sculpture in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. This enables groups in the workplace or at conferences to bond and allows people in any type of occupation to have a go at being artistically creative. It's also an ideal way for teachers to brainstorm their own art activities for the classroom. Adults often don't get the time to be creative once they leave school and this is an activity that they love and find relaxing.

	A True Person Written by Gabiann Marin Published by New Frontier Zallah and her mother have escaped their war torn country and are looking for safety in Australia. Instead of freedom they find themselves in a refugee detention centre. Zallah struggles with the reason for this punishment. A True Person is a moving story which highlights the bond between Mother and Daughter in times of adversity. For Zallah there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we celebrate with her as she realises what it means to be A True Person. 'A True Person' written by Gabiann Marin and illustrated by Jacqui Grantford is one of the 250 outstanding new international books for children and young adults that have been selected for The White Ravens 2008. The White Raven label is given to books that deserve worldwide attention because of their universal themes and/or their exceptional and often innovative artistic and literary style and design. The titles are drawn from the books that the IYL receives as review or donation copies from publishers and organizations around the world.
	Squeezy Cuddle Dangly Legs Written by Peter Whitfield Published by New Frontier A delightfully interactive book. This beautifully illustrated story captures the games children play stalling at bedtime. It shows the love between the child and parent as they engage in bedtime rituals such as ‘this little piggy’ and ‘round and round the garden’. Highly recommended, Sydney's Child, Reading Time and many others. Translated into 8 dialects for the African market.