Books come to life

WEIRD and wonderful book characters are on display at a new exhibition at Walker Street Gallery.
The Good the Bad and the Wicked! features work by Melbourne artists Leigh Hobbs and Ann James, who are best-known for the memorable characters they have created in their popular children’s books.
Leigh Hobbs’ latest picture book, Mr Chicken goes to Paris, has been shortlisted in this year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia awards. His other books include the internationally loved Old Tom series, and a wild parade of other fabulous characters that feature in popular books of their own, including Fiona the Pig, Horrible Harriet and 4F for Freaks!
Ann James’ books feature strong and dynamic personalities from the animal kingdom. Her characters come from books including Penny Pollard’s Diary, The Midnight Gang, Lucy Goosey, Little Humpty, the Audrey series, Sadie and Ratz, and just last year in their very own exhibition at Walker Street Gallery, two golden (fishy) greats Chester and Gil.
The exhibition includes original published artwork in a variety of media, as well as preliminary works and three-dimensional models.
Books and a range of limited edition prints of illustrations are available for sale and signing on opening night and throughout the exhibition.
The exhibition runs until 26 August.
Both artists will talk briefly about their work at the opening night of the exhibition tonight (5 August).
Walker Street Gallery is open Monday until Friday 11am until 5pm and on Saturday 11am until 3pm.