Tohby Riddle

Biography

Tohby Riddle is the creator of numerous well-loved and award-winning picture books, that have been published in many languages around the world. For his contribution to children’s literature he was nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 2022. His picture books include, Nobody Owns the Moon, My Uncle’s Donkey, Yahoo Creek, The Singing Hat, Unforgotten, The Great Escape from City Zoo, Here Comes Stinkbug! and The March of the Ants (in collaboration with 2020–21 Australian Children’s Laureate, Ursula Dubosarsky). Other books include the best-selling The Greatest Gatsby: a visual book of grammar two cartoon collections. Tohby’s books are noted for their inventive artwork techniques, their humour and depth of meaning, and their quality and originality.

Tohby Riddle illustration of donkey

In his talks, Tohby draws on his experience as an author, illustrator and book designer – as well as a widely published cartoonist, and a former editor of The School Magazine. He has spoken at schools, libraries, universities, conferences and festivals around Australia and overseas, tailoring his presentations to the needs of audiences of all kinds and all ages.

Tohby Riddle illustration of ants

Tohby’s primary school talks usually focus on getting ideas; the process of turning ideas into a picture book; a look at artwork techniques; and an informative drawing demonstration. He likes to emphasise how good work comes from good thinking and learning to be yourself. He also loves answering questions! His goal as a speaker is for his audience to leave feeling excited and inspired to read, write and draw. For the youngest audiences he usually adds an entertaining reading of one of his books. For older audiences he offers greater emphasis on skills such as visual literacy.

Tohby Riddle illustration of donkey and fox

Tohby also runs illustration and writing workshops from upper primary to adults, with a focus on breaking habits of thought to get ideas and unlock creativity.