Sharon Baldwin, Publisher & Author
Sharon founded Loose Parts Press in 2020 to publish her book series “The Gardeneers” and fell in love with the world of children’s publishing. She approaches each book as a unique work of art and loves collaborating with authors and illustrators to bring gorgeous books to young readers. Sharon has had a varied career which has seen her working as a family and birth photographer, teaching art and drama in afterschool and holiday programs, and working in communications for dozens of nonprofit organisations – including five years as the Director of Sydney Creative Play. Follow Sharon on Instagram.
Katie Alexander, Copy Editor
When her original childhood dream of becoming a Solid Gold dancer didn’t work out, mostly due to a distinct lack of dancing ability, Katie turned to her other great passion – books. After working in secondary education for the past decade, she decided to use her Literature degree in a different way, leading to the creation of Blue Ampersand Editing. A lifetime Blue Mountains resident (that’s the Blue in Blue Ampersand), Katie is often seen walking her rescue border collie with her son, regularly organising bookshop shelves without permission or rolling around on the mats at Lawson jiu jitsu. Follow Katie on Instagram.
Naomi Crew, Author & Illustrator
Naomi Crew is an artist from Blaxland, NSW who focuses her work on native bird species and the natural environment, taking joy in capturing the unique characters of birds and showcasing their beauty. Naomi’s art business Say Rainbow currently encompasses bird art, murals and picture book illustration. You may see Naomi at local markets in the Blue Mountains talking birds and selling her wares. Follow Naomi on Instagram.
Paula Deuber, Illustrator
Paula is an artist and illustrator focusing on nature, sustainability and food. Her illustrations, mostly worked in watercolours and ink, depict humans participating in nature, sustainable ways of living and ways to value and enjoy what’s around us. Paula has created illustrations for projects with several clients and collaborators, including Trust for Nature, the Cairnlea Reserves Conservation Committee and the Whittlesea Review. Follow Paula on Instagram.
Inga Hope, Illustrator
Inga is an illustrator and artist living and working on Dharug and Gundungurra land in the Blue Mountains. In her work she focuses on colour to create warm and joyful pieces that draw attention to the often-overlooked beauty of simple everyday scenes and objects. Her choice of subject matter reflects her aim to make work that is approachable and relatable for children and adults alike. Follow Inga on Instagram.
Kelsie King, Illustrator
Kelsie King is a Gundungurra woman from the Gedumba Clan, and is the granddaughter of the late Aunty Mary King and daugher of Uncle David King. Growing up in the Blue Mountains, from the age of 13 Kelsie was taught to paint by Gamilaroi artist Aunty Elly Chatfield. Throughout Kelsie’s career as an artist, she has created pieces for large organisations, branding for uniforms within schools and workplaces, and if you travel through the Blue Mountains you can find her artworks on park signs and along bushwalks in the National Parks. Kelsie’s preferred medium is acrylic paints, and she draws her inspiration from culture and nature, incorporating a modern flare to traditional Indigenous art. Follow Kelsie on Instagram.
Tia Madden, Illustrator
Tia is an Artist and Illustrator from the Blue Mountains, where she grew up with her twin brother and older brother. She studies a Bachelor of Fine Arts at UNSW Art & Design, and loves to draw, paint, and make things. Tia loves to read and write, and loves to imagine and illustrate the adventures that Will, Yasmin and Chloe get up to as the Gardeneers. Follow Tia on Instagram.
Antony Mann, Author
Antony is a Blue Mountains-based writer, musician and filmmaker. His stories have appeared in London Magazine, Interzone, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and the Australian Review of Fiction among many others. He is a winner of the Best Short Film award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and his most recent film MISSING has been winning awards around the globe. He plays with pop-folk band Antelope. Follow Antony on Instagram.
Emily Julia Naudi, Author & Illustrator
Emily is an Early Childhood Teacher, Artist and Writer living on Dharug and Gundungurra land in the beautiful Blue Mountains. She lives behind a pink door with her husband, three children, two cats, six chickens and an axolotl. Emily loves to use watercolours to create whimsical paintings inspired by nature and childhood. When she was a child, Emily’s Mother gifted her a love of picture books and she hopes to pass on a little of this magic to each child who stumbles upon her work. Follow Emily on Instagram.
Rachael Robertson, Illustrator
Rachael is an artist, author, illustrator and primary school teacher based in Perth. She creates bright, bold, textured art pieces using an array of mediums. She lives with her husband, two daughters Poppy and Daisy, and dog Coco. Follow Rachael on Instagram.
Katharine Rogers, Author
Katharine is an award-winning short film writer/director, digital producer at the ABC, and curator for Sydney Film Festival. She has worked in the arts and media for 20 years in Sydney and London. Follow Katharine on Instagram.
Nana Sakata, Illustrator
Nana is an illustrator who loves to draw animals and imaginary creatures. She has been exhibiting her artworks in various art galleries around Sydney and Melbourne. Nana also has two children, one of whom has inspired the book “Cockatoo Magic.” You can purchase her artwork on Etsy. Follow Nana on Instagram.
Skye Taylor, Author & Illustrator
Skye is a creative who lives in the Blue Mountains on Darug and Gundungarra country with her gorgeous family and beloved yet very mischievous cat Lucky. Her home is also visited by a fox every now and then who has, on occasion, stolen her shoes. Friends, camping and cups of tea are her happy place. Preferably all three at the same time. Follow Skye on Instagram.
Dannielle Viera, Author & Copy Editor
Dannielle has been involved in the Australian publishing industry for over 20 years, first as a copywriter and then as an editor, project manager, proofreader and author. She is a children’s book reviewer for the Buzz Words website, and a member of SCBWI. Dannielle is represented by the CKT Speakers Agency, which allows her to share her love of books and reading with children of all ages. Follow Dannielle on Instagram.
Emmy Webbers, Author & Illustrator
Emmy Webbers is a Gunai/Kurnai person who has grown up within the Kulin Nations of Victoria. Emmy works hard running a small business and working on multiple creative projects. As a parent to 4 children and growing up connected within culture and community, Emmy draws a lot of inspiration from these experiences and seeing through the eyes of children. Follow Emmy on Instagram.
Clare Yang, Illustrator
Clare Yang is a Sydney-based illustrator who began her creative journey after moving to Australia. She previously worked for eight years as a book editor in China before transitioning to illustration — a more intuitive and playful way for her to express ideas. Clare works in both traditional and digital media, and her work often draws on everyday moments, nature, and quiet emotion, with a touch of gentle humour. Follow Clare on Instagram.
Loose Parts Press 