The best-selling author - creator of the Old Tom, Mr Chicken and Horrible Harriet books - sits down with the Library’s Bookshop manager Mike Shuttleworth. 

With the publication of his newest book, the beloved character Mr Badger, makes his entrance in full colour in Mr Badger and the Boubles Grand Hotel. Leigh Hobbs' archive is held by the National Library, and this illustrated talk will trace Leigh's artistic life, his subversive humour, and how obsessions from childhood can feed a lifetime of creative work. 

Attend in person

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential.

Watch online

The presentation will also be available online. Please make a booking and we will send you a direct link to the livestream event via email. Or you can join anytime through the Library's YouTube channel.

About the speakers

Leigh Hobbs is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, including the iconic Old Tom, Mr Chicken goes to Paris and Horrible Harriet. As an artist, he works across a range of mediums, as well as writing and illustrating his children’s books.

Mr Chicken goes to Paris was shortlisted for the 2010 Prime Minister’s Literary awards and has been a constantly popular title at the Louvre Museum Bookshop in Paris. Old Tom has been adapted into an extremely popular ABC TV series. Leigh Hobbs was the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2016-17 and was honoured by Australia Post in 2019 with his own ‘Australian Legend’ postage stamp. 

Mike Shuttleworth is an industry professional with over three decades of experience mediating books and readers. Previous roles include Program Manager of the Melbourne Writers Festival; campaign manager for the Australian Children's Laureate; jury member for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards; and curator of a major exhibition on Australian picture books. He is currently the National Library of Australia Bookshop manager.