Leigh Hobbs
Leigh Hobbs is an artist and author best known for his children’s book characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Mr Chicken and Mr Badger. In 2002, Horrible Harriet was shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Awards, as was his book Old Tom’s Holiday in 2003. He was shortlisted again in 2010 for his picture book Mr Chicken Goes to Paris. A highly successful animated TV series, based on Leigh’s Old Tom series of books has been screened in Australia and Europe.
As well as being an author and illustrator Leigh works as an artist in a wide range of mediums. He has designed the colour scheme for the entrance to Melbourne’s Luna Park and the creature that sits atop a ride inside the park called the ‘spider.’ A Flinders Street Station tea-pot he made is in the National Gallery of Victoria, and two caricature sculptures he created for Sydney’s Luna Park in the early 1970s are at The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.
Who, or what, was the biggest inspiration for you to become a writer and illustrator?
‘The English cartoonist Ronald Searle.’
What was your favourite book as a child?
‘Captain Pugwash.’
Did you enjoy school and what was your favourite subject?
‘Yes, I did enjoy school. Art and history were my favourite subjects.’
What is your favourite colour?
‘Green. It reminds me of England.’
What is your proudest moment?
‘When Horrible Harriet was shortlisted in 2002 for the CBC Picture Book Category.’
Do you have a particular ritual or routine when you draw or write?
‘I get up very early every day. I walk the dogs, have breakfast and am in my studio by 8am.’
If you weren’t a writer/illustrator, what would you be?
‘I can’t imagine not being an artist.’
Books by Leigh Hobbs
Horrible Harriet and the Terrible Tantrum
Published: September 2021
From the incredible imagination of Leigh Hobbs comes an original character and an old friend, in Horrible Harriet's wildest adventure yet.
Old Tom 25th Anniversary Edition
Published: December 2019
Celebrating 25 years of Leigh Hobbs' mischievous and beloved character.
Mr Chicken All Over Australia
Published: October 2019
Australia is full of big things, and Mr Chicken wants to see them all. A triumph from the 2016-2017 Australian Children's Laureate.
Mr Chicken Arriva a Roma
Published: October 2018
Mr Chicken has been to Paris and London, but his taste for travel is insatiable - now it's time to visit Rome, a city of ancient wonders and delicious things to eat. From the hilarious mind of the 2016-2017 Australian Children's Laureate.
Freaks on the Loose
Published: January 2018
The hilarious, anarchic antics of One-eyed Eileen, her 4F classmates and their long-suffering teacher in one collectable volume.
Mr Chicken Arriva a Roma
Published: August 2016
Mr Chicken has been to Paris and London, but his taste for travel is insatiable - now it's time to visit Rome, a city of ancient wonders and delicious things to eat. From the hilarious mind of the 2016-2017 Australian Children's Laureate.
Mr Chicken Lands on London
Published: June 2016
Explore London with Mr Chicken in this paperback edition of a much-loved favourite.
The Big Book of Mr Badger
Published: November 2015
All four stories about loveable Mr Badger in one collectable volume, from the creator of Old Tom and Mr Chicken.
Mr Chicken Lands on London
Published: November 2015
See London with Mr Chicken! A delightful mini gift edition of the much-loved bestseller.
Mr Chicken Lands on London
Published: June 2014
See London with Mr Chicken! From the creator of the much-loved bestseller Mr Chicken Goes to Paris.
The Big Book of Old Tom
Published: May 2014
Five adventures of Leigh Hobbs' much-loved characters, Old Tom and Angela Throgmorton, in one delightful collection.
Old Tom's Big Book of Beauty
Published: January 2013
Angela Throgmorton adores Old Tom, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. When she gives him The Big Book of Beauty the results are astonishing. But will it go to Old Tom's head? Old Tom, star of six previous books and with his own TV series, is one of Leigh Hobbs' most loved characters.
Horrible Harriet's Inheritance
Published: July 2012
You may remember Horrible Harriet - she's wicked, wild and larger than life, and she invented Mr Chicken. Well Harriet is back, to claim her inheritance and fill in the gaps in her impressive family tree along the way. These include queens, warriors and yes, a vampire, too.
Mr Chicken Goes to Paris
Published: December 2011
From the creator of Old Tom, Horrible Harriet and Fiona the Pig comes the unforgettable and riotous Mr Chicken! What's in store for Mr Chicken in the City of Love, and how will the Parisians react?
Mr Badger and the Magic Mirror
Published: September 2011
Book four in this charming illustrated series from the creator of Old Tom, Horrible Harriet and Mr Chicken. Mr Badger is about to uncover something magical at the Boubles Grand Hotel!
Mr Badger and the Difficult Duchess
Published: March 2011
In book three in this charming illustrated series, we discover Mr Badger is not only the Special Events Manager of London's grand Boubles Grand Hotel - he is also the Manager of Special Guests.
Mr Badger and the Big Surprise
Published: September 2010
Introducing another lovable character from the creator of Mr Chicken and Old Tom. Mr Badger is the Special Events Manager of London's Boubles Grand Hotel and is in charge of parties, weddings, balls - anything, really, that is a special occasion.
Mr Badger and the Missing Ape
Published: September 2010
The second book featuring Mr Badger, the Special Events Manager of London's Boubles Grand Hotel - another lovable character from the creator of Mr Chicken and Old Tom.
Hooray for Horrible Harriet
Published: April 2008
The hilarious sequel to the bestselling, CBCA-shortlisted Horrible Harriet. Gloriously illustrated by the fabulous Leigh Hobbs, creator of Old Tom and Fiona the Pig, this book will have both children and adults laughing out loud.
Freaks Ahoy
Published: March 2007
In 4F for Freaks Miss Corker came up with a great idea for tricking 4F into obedience, but in this hilarious sequel, she finds her disguise has stuck and it looks like she'll be Miss Schnorkel forever. With One-Eyed Eileen on the case to unmask her, and a rendezvous with a boatload of teachers on long-service leave, Freaks Ahoy! is hilarious entertainment for young and old.
4F for Freaks
Published: February 2006
Class 4F is a mighty challenge for any teacher, with One-Eyed Eileen's gang of freaks and their naughty antics. But Miss Corker (alias Miss Schnorkel) works out a clever way to handle them. From the creator of Old Tom and Horrible Harriet, and inspired by 25 years of teaching, comes another unforgettable cast of hilarious characters.
Horrible Harriet
Published: September 2003
Look out! Here comes Horrible Harriet - she's wicked, wild and wonderful! Shortlisted for the CBC Picture Book of the Year Award, 2002.
