May Gibbs (1877-1969), author, illustrator and cartoonist, captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of Australians with her lovable bush characters and fairytale landscapes. She was Australia’s first full-time, professionally trained children’s book illustrator.
Best known for her Gumnut Babies and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, May Gibbs created a uniquely Australian bush fantasy world through her beautiful illustrations which remain loved to this day.
Gibbs also wrote and illustrated many other children’s books, produced long-running cartoon strips, and a variety of commercial work.
She was also Australia’s first female cartoonist, with her popular Bib and Bub cartoon strip which became Australia’s longest running strip from 1924 until 1967.
Visit the May Gibbs Gumnut Babies Exhibition, State Library of WA
MORUYA and District Historical Society Blog 