Fifi Colston is an award-winning published junior fiction writer and children’s book illustrator of more than 50 titles. She also works in the TV and film industry as a costumier, puppet maker, writer and illustrator.

In 2019 she was the Children’s Writer in Residence for the Otago University College of Education where she spent 6 months working on a graphic novel and her latest Junior Fiction novel, ‘Masher’ (Penguin Random House 2022).
In addition to her writing and illustration work, Fifi is a long time designer in the World of WearableArt with 27 finalist entries in show and multiple awards. In 2022 she and her co- collaborator Bruce Mahalski won the Aotearoa Section Award and runner up to the Supreme WOW Award with their stunning piece ‘Fera Dei’.

‘Story is at the heart of everything I do’ says Fifi, ‘be it an illustration, a piece of writing or a 3-dimensional work of wearable art.’

Some of Fifi's recent publications include:

Pearl in a Whirl text by Catherine Robertson (Penguin Random House 2023)

The true story of one fluffy cat’s wild, windy week.

A tale of chaos and courage, ruin and rescue, as Pearl’s home – like so many others – was ravaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Pearl loved doing all her favourite things: swatting the dog, slurping tap water, hiding in bags, and curling up to sleep.

But one Monday night, with a whoosh and a whirl, her comfortable life was turned upside-down …

Pearl’s family home in Puketapu, in Hawke's Bay, was destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle and it took a week for her to be reunited with her family, as the community came together in the aftermath of one of New Zealand's worst weather events. Written by bestselling author Catherine Robertson, with illustrations by Fifi Colston, every copy sold will raise much-needed funds for the Hawke's Bay Foundation to assist in the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery effort.

Masher (Junior Fiction novel, Penguin Random House 2022)

What would you do if you accidentally created a barking-mad glove puppet, with sharp teeth, a fierce attitude and an unpredictable mouth? A boy and a fast-talking terrier glove puppet form a hilarious double act in this warm and funny illustrated novel for readers eight years and older. 

Mischievous Milly - text by Nadia Lim (Scholastic 2022)

A delightful picture book about an orphan baby goat that comes to stay on Nadia Lim’s South Island farm and causes all sorts of fun and mischief. Based on a true story by this famous TV chef there is also a recipe for strawberry jellies which would make a great dessert for Xmas dinner.

The Little Yellow Digger Series - text by Peter Gilderdale:

The Little Yellow Digger Finds Treasure (Scholastic 2022).

The Little Yellow Digger is back and this time it’s at the beach. After the digger rescues a truck stuck on a beach, Charlie the dog excitedly uncovers something else buried in the sand. Further investigation reveals what looks like a treasure chest...but who knows what is inside...

The Little Yellow Digger and The Big Ship  (Scholastic 2021)

The Little Yellow Digger Saves Christmas  (Scholastic 2020) 

 Marvin Makes a Friend  - text by Nadia Lim (Scholastic 2021) 

 Marvello\us Marvin - text by Nadia Lim (Scholastic 2020) 

 The Last Crayon (Little Steps Publishing UK 2022)

 Where’s my Stick? (Little Steps Publishing UK 2022)

See a full list of Fifi's titles and awards here on   ReadNZ