Pip Harry
Pip Harry is an author, copywriter and journalist who loves to write about kindness, friendship and courage. Her middle grade novel The Little Wave won the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year Award for Younger Readers and August & Jones won the 2023 CBCA Shadow Judging Book of the Year, voted by school students. August & Jones has been made into an audio and braille book, been added to the NSW school curriculum and published internationally. Her newest releases are bestselling picture books Over or Under? and The Inside Dog, middle grade Camp Spooky: Attack of the Aliants co-written with Kate Foster, and Drift, a young adult verse novel.
2026 brings three new picture books - Spare Kisses, about abundant grandparent love (March), The Goodbye Tree (June), which takes a sensitive, poetic look at grief and loss, and The Fast Lane (July) about a competitive swimming piggy who learns to share her lane.
Pip was born and bred in Melbourne, but now lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her family and energetic kelpie Puma. Her favourite thing to do is swim in the ocean.
WORKSHOPS:
Story starters. (Primary)
In this fun, interactive session Pip will guide students through a series of different writing prompts from all the senses – smell, taste, touch, hear and see, and talk about how she uses prompts in her work.
Free verse fun! (Primary/YA)
Students will look at different types of verse and poetry in middle grade novels in Australia and around the world. What is free verse, what stories does this style work best for? Students will try their hand at verse poetry to create their own stories.
Creating Spooky stories. (Primary/YA)
Pip is the author of the popular series book, 101 Cool Hair-Raising Horrors. Gather around the campfire, bring your marshmallows and she will guide young writers in creating and sharing a spooky tale and explain how urban myths and ghost stories have developed in different cultures and throughout history.
YA WORKSHOPS:
Tough topics in YA
Why do YA writers often tackle tough life issues through fiction? How does writing about difficult topics help both the writer and reader process it? This interactive writing workshop will guide young writers through sharing challenging issues in their own writing.
Creating real characters
This interactive workshop will guide writers to create characters that are fleshed out, believable and unforgettable.
Ripped from the headlines.
Many themes and storylines from Pip’s books have sprung from real life events happening in Australia. How do writers use current issues to create a fictional story? Students will use current news to create a short story.
YEAR LEVEL TALK:
Because of You & Australia’s homeless crisis. Pip shares the backstory to her acclaimed CBCA shortlisted novel, Because of You, which is set in Australia’s homeless community – examining how we treat our homeless community and what other countries are doing to alleviate the housing crisis. She also shares her career highlights – from interviewing Hollywood’s biggest stars, to travelling the world.
Testimonials
Pip captivated the audience with an engaging and interactive session that left a lasting impression on everyone present. Pip shared insights into her writing journey, the inspiration behind her works, and the creative process that brings her stories to life. The interactive nature of the talk allowed students to ask questions and gain valuable advice on developing their own narratives.
Denistone East Public School, NSW - September, 2025Pip engaged with students from K-6, changing her presentation for different age groups. She was adaptable to changes throughout the day, as is often the case in a busy school setting. Thanks Pip!
Franklin School, ACT - August, 2025Pip was very engaging with the students (years 3-6) and teachers. She was very personable and professional. Pip's ppt presentation was a great tool to help her share her story.
St. Ives Public School, NSW - June, 2025It was such a pleasure having Pip visit our school. Communicating prior to the event was a breeze, and she was warm and friendly from the moment she arrived. Our students had been studying August & Jones last term, so were beyond excited to have her at our school. Pip provided them with a great overview of her life and her writing process, linking it all back to the book. She was thoughtful in answering the kids' questions, and generous with her time, signing autographs for a huge number of students. So grateful to Pip for providing our students with such a great experience that they will remember for years to come!
Campsie Public School, NSW - June, 2025We were treated to a visit from the much loved, award winning author Pip Harry! Pip's energy, warmth and love of literature was contagious. Pip made contact in the weeks prior to her visit to learn more about our students and their needs which resulted in her delivering four tailor made presentations for each cohort. Our students were engaged but they also felt heard as Pip spent every spare moment answering questions and warmly conversing with our students. It was a visit we will never forget! Thank you Pip!
Middle Harbour Public School, NSW - September, 2024
New South Wales
Speaker type
- Author
- Journalist / Feature writer
Audience
- Prep - Year 2
- Year 3-6
- Year 7-9
- Year 10-12
- Teachers/PD