Kim is a full time marine artist, author, illustrator and publisher of environmental children’s books.  She has always lived by the sea and been a keen marine environmentalist.  Her books portray vibrant underwater worlds and ecological coastal habitats depicted on hand-painted silk.  Through her painting and award winning books, she highlights the importance of conservation of our fragile oceans and the coastal habitats which support them.  Kim also manages a gallery in Ballina, northern NSW which displays some of her amazing work.

Kim is an experienced presenter of both workshops and talks and regularly demonstrates her amazing silk painting technique to students of all ages. 

Kim’s eagerly anticipated latest book due out in May, 2012 is called Recipe For Perfect Planet Pie.

Tic Tock, What’s Up Croc?

Kim’s latest book, Tick Tock, What’s Up Croc is a stunning 40 page picture information book by this multi award winning illustrator and author. Illustrated with hand painted silks, the effect is truly amazing with its jewelled texture giving a 3D appearance. Written in two parts, the book begins as a poem that also appears on a wall chart and ends with 10 pages of crocodile facts.  Spend a day in the life of a prehistoric predator — the saltwater crocodile. Meander through poetic text to find out why this resilient reptile has withstood the test of time and truly is the last of the mighty dinosaurs.  

Features

• stunning hand painted silk illustrations
• text is written as a poem and features on the wall chart
• full colour wall chart 225mm x 750mm
• 10 pages of child friendly information in the back of the book

"We would definitely like to book Kim Toft again for 2 days next year during book week if possible. She is fantastic."

 "Kim has just left our school and she is truly a gifted artist, author and speaker.  I have not enjoyed an author visit so much.  Her energy and obvious love she has for her work is infectious and the Year 2 children were captivated.  The year 7 students who helped move her equipment were enthralled by her and her work and Kim is so open with children they would have kept her talking all day if I hadn’t shooed them back to class. We would like to book Kim to visit again in August if possible to speak and present to kids across P-7."

Mudgeeraba State School, March, 2011.

 We had a wonderful visit with Kim.  She is an enthusiastic, energetic and entertaining presenter.  The students responded beautifully to Kim.  They loved her stories, were entranced while she showed them how she painted on silk and enjoyed ‘The 12 Underwater Days of Christmas’.  Our library spaces were so colourful and beautiful with all her paintings displayed.  She was very friendly and easy to work with and I will certainly have her visit again in the future.

Mackay Regional Council Library Services, August, 2010.