Ann-Marie Finn – April 2 2017

World Autism Awareness Day – April 2 2017

Ann-Marie is an author, illustrator and proud owner of The Mad Hatters Bookshop in Manly, Queensland. Originally from the UK, she began her career over there as an illustrator designing greetings cards. In 2007 she moved to Brisbane where her two sons were born. With the arrival of her children came the desire to write and illustrate children’s books, and her first book was published in 2012. She has illustrated many books since then for various authors, and continues to live in Brisbane with her boys, who inspire, challenge and drive her crazy every single day!

Gus The Asparagus – co-written with Kaylene Hobson; illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn
Yellow Brick Books Publishing, 2015; ISBN 9780992523992
Meet Gus! Gus might be the only asparagus in his family, but he is happy. However, when he goes to school he starts to realise that he doesn’t always ‘fit in’. Gus is here to help kids understand that it’s okay to be different. He will soon be a favourite with anyone who has ever felt a bit out of place, kids and adults alike. Gus was inspired by Ann-Marie’s eldest son Liam shortly after he had been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. After seeing him struggle at school and particularly with making friends, she decided to create the book to help him and others like him understand that it’s okay to be different.

Isaac’s Dragon –Illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn
Self-published Kaylene Hobson 2014; ISBN 9780992523909
4-10 years
Isaac doesn’t just want a dragon, he needs one and the plans he comes up with will amuse and captivate readers both young and old. A delightfully funny tale of one boy’s adventures in his quest to find his very own dragon. A beautiful story of imagination brought to life, Isaac’s Dragon originally began as an amusing bedtime tale to help Kaylene’s son deal with self-confidence issues by presenting him as such an unmistakably interesting, intelligent and engaging character.