Thomas loves his life in a small village. He draws beautiful pictures of everyone around him and in return they give him food and flowers. But when a great storm comes and ruins all the crops, life in the village changes. Every face Thomas draws has an expression of great sadness. The sadness slowly creeps into Thomas’s heart and he no longer feels like drawing. He packs up his paper and pencils and goes out into the world in search of happiness.

Thomas and his Drawings is a children’s picture book of 1,100 words. Its themes are universal: sometimes you have to leave your home to appreciate what you have and to see that you are appreciated. Thomas leaves his village in a time of adversity. When he returns home he finds that, not only has he been missed, but that the difficult times have passed and the village is prosperous once more. His journey shows us that sometimes what you go searching for will take you back to where you began.

Author Kirsten Heysen

Kirsten Heysen has travelled, worked and studied in Europe. She has published short stories and is currently completing a Ph. D in Creative Writing at the University of Adelaide as well as working on a novel and screenplay. Kirsten tutors young children in English and loves poring over picture books with them. She lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

Address: 43 Edward Street Norwood South Australia 5067
phone: 00 +61 8 8331 4056
mobile: 0438 003 776
fax: 00 +61 8 8331 0516
email: kheysen@iprimus.com.au

Illustrator Nicole Stewart

Nicole Stewart graduated with a design degree from the University of South Australia, specialising in Illustration, and has worked on the design and illustration of a wide variety of books. She is currently based in Melbourne, working in the online department of the Melbourme Museum and loves any opportunity or excuse to open the paint box.

Address: 63a Smith Street Flemington Victoria 3031
phone: 00 +61 3 9372 654
mobile: 0438 003776
email: nicole.stewart@optusnet.com.au
email: www.nicolestewart.com