SUSANNAH MCFARLANE

According to the bio on her website: "Susannah McFarlane is the award-winning author, creator and publisher of over 80 books and some of Australia’s most successful children’s book series including Zac Power, Go Girls, EJ12 Girl Hero, EJ Spy School, Boy vs Beast, D-Bot Squad, Fairy Tales for Feisty Girls, Brave Tales for Bold-Hearted Boys, and Grumble Boats. With over one million books sold in Australia alone, Susannah understands children and writes stories they love and parents trust. Her books are fun and engaging and she writes for children of all ages, from birth to grown-ups, with a special focus on early and beginner readers.

Susannah was given up for adoption at birth but grew up with a much loved and loving Mum and Dad, brother and sister. At one time she also lived with a motley collection of 17 animals, her mum having indulged her aspiration to be a vet. Indeed, Susannah’s love of animals saw her co-found ‘McArps Vet Service’ alongside her best friend Min when they were only 10, donating the proceeds of their practice to the RSPCA. Noble in ambition but lacking obviously in skill, the Victorian Veterinarian Board took issue with their business, and they then deftly pivoted to being McArps Pet Service, preying on the local pet owners instead. Eventually, in their teenage years, the pet service petered out, making way for an obsession with ABBA (which has never petered out!).

An interest in science gave way early to a love of language and Susannah has since spent all her adult life working with words and stories – marketing them, publishing them, writing them – and most of all loving how they connect people.

She has lived and worked in London and Melbourne and along the way become one of Australia’s most respected children’s book publishers and authors."