Bellingen’s Amanda Hazlett is an artist and illustrator who “refuses to grow up”.
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So when children’s book author, Steve Matthews, asked her to work with him on ‘The Psycho Scientist’, Amanda said she was over the moon.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to bring to life the quirky characters that feature in Steve’s latest comic tale,” she said.
“For as long as I can remember I have loved children’s books. I was so glad when I finally had kids that I had a legitimate excuse to build on my collection.
“Getting lost in a fantastical world every time I open a book makes me feel young and excited.
“I love working with watercolours and ink, keeping my style simple, colourful and fun.”
‘The Psycho Scientist’ is Amanda’s first published work. However, she said she hopes to have a number of picture books in the pipeline to share with everyone soon.
“Having my illustrations published is a dream come true,” Amanda said.
“Knowing that in various places there are people tucked up in bed, sitting in a classroom, a bus stop, or maybe swinging in a hammock lost in a moment ... that I had a little hand in creating.”
‘The Psycho Scientist’ is beautiful illustrated by Amanda – and the dialogue is pretty special too.
The book is aimed at younger readers, who are moving towards their first real novel. It’s a story which is ideal for parents to read to the kids at bedtime.
Author, Steve Matthews, has created a quirky and eccentric book, full of laugh-out-loud moments.
“I am proud that reluctant readers love my books,” Steve said.
“I receive a significant quantity of mail from my readers, and if I can achieve anything from writing children’s books, I would like to be able to have encouraged kids to write and read more.”
Steve was born in England, but now resides with his wife Diane and a variety of animals on a farm near Sydney. His books have been published in Australia, Canada, America, and the United Kingdom.
‘The Psycho Scientist’ is Steve’s fifth book and is published by Austin Macauley. To find out more about Steve and his book go to http://www.austinmacauley.com/book/psycho-scientist
To check out Amanda’s work go to amandahazlettillustrations.wordpress.com
LOCAL LAUNCH
A book launch for the ‘The Psycho Scientist’ is on Monday, June 26 at The Alternative Bookshop, Bellingen from 5.30 to 7pm.
Amanda is also working with librarian, Surinder Kaur, at Bellingen Library to present ‘The Psycho Scientist’ during Book Week, August 25.