Nikki Slade-Robinson - Author/Illustrator

ABOUT

In Brief

Nikki Slade Robinson is a published writer and illustrator in the publishing, educational and commercial fields. She has illustrated over 60 childrens titles for a range of publishers and writers and is now writing her own stories. Nikki is able to provide a range of activity sheets for group/individual/class use to accompany many of her titles. Use of these sheets is free with any Skype booking.

In Detail

Nikki graduated in 1989 from Wellington Polytechnic’s School of Design with a Diploma in Visual Communications Design (Illustration).  Since then she has been a full time freelance illustrator, initially based in Wellington but now back on home turf in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. She is married with 2 children (and 2 cats, and a patch of bush!) and spends a lot of time at her children’s primary school working on many projects for and with the students and teachers. 

Her first book as Author/Illustrator, “That’s not Junk!” (Penguin 2009) was well-reviewed and became one of the first 3 titles chosen by Penguin NZ to be released internationally as an interactive Q-Book.  Its environmental theme saw it picked up by the Greens and other environmental organisations. Review comments include “…words roll off the tongue…” (Good Magazine).  Recommended by North and South Magazine in their Top Picks for 2009.

Her most recent book as Author/Illustrator, “Hannah Bandanna’s Hair” (Scholastic 2010) made No. 10 on the best-seller list within 2 weeks of its release onto the market.  “[Nikki] has written and illustrated another great picture book for children…you will love reading this book to your children…” – Bay Weekend.

As an illustrator Nikki has a long list of titles.  Most notably are:

“The Seven Stars of Matariki” (Huia 2008) gained Nikki a finalist placing in the Sir Julius Vogel Awards (Professional Illustration).  It was also selected as a Storylines Notable NZ Book in 2009.   Reviewed on National Radio, Children’s Bookshop owner John MacIntyre said “…lovely illustrations… very dramatic… a beautiful palette here which reflects the colour of our flora and fauna.”  “It’s great to see such a beautiful children’s book on the market…richly coloured illustrations complement it beautifully.” – Bay Weekend.

“The Puriri Tree”/”Te Puriri” (Huia 2000) was selected to become part of the International Children’s Digital Library.  This book was the LIANZA Te Kura Pounamu Medal Winner 2001.  “My favourite among the local books…’ NZ Listener.

“Mr Short, Mr Thin, Mr Bald and Mr Dog” (Steele Roberts 2005) by award winning Glenn Colquhoun was followed by illustrating some of his adult work.  Reviewed in the NZ Listener – “The best in recent picture books… inspired lunacy… and we laugh a lot.”  Other titles include “The Pine-cone Track” (Scholastic 2007), “Starkey the Gentle Pirate” (Steele Roberts), along with a large number of educational titles primarily in Te Reo for Kura Kaupapa and Kohanga Reo.  She provided illustrations and craft/cooking pages for a regular children’s magazine  “Taiki E!” (Huia) for a number of years.

"In Love with Moko - The Story of a New Zealand Dolphin" with Val Bird was released in February 2011. The definitive book covering the life of Moko the friendly dolphin is packed with photos, information, memories and an environmental section. Every book sold helps raise funds for WWF New Zealand's dolphin programme.

My next book (as illustrator) is "Mind Your Gramma" by Yvonne Morrison, scheduled for release in November 2011.

My next book as author/illustrator is scheduled to release in time for Earth Day in 2012, features environmental themes and loads of fun. Keep an eye out for "Munkle Arvur and The Bod" next year.

Nikki has over the years also worked with The Correspondence School and Heinemann Education on resources and readers.

Nikki is enthusiastic and passionate about working for and with children and is happy to work with teachers and students on specific projects if required. 

For more information about this Author/Illustrator visit her website www.penandink.co.nz or visit www.authors.org.nz