Margaret Hamilton Books More recently I've been working closely with Margaret Hamilton, editor of Margaret Hamilton Books, who has produced my most recent picture story books; Frogs Sing Songs (2002), Birds Build Nests (2001), illustrated by Tony Oliver, Butterflies Fly (2000) and Spiders Spin Webs (1996), both illustrated by Karen Lloyd-Jones. Released in 1999, The Dream Dragon is illustrated by Stanley Wong. Nanangka (1997) is a junior novel illustrated by Marianne Namaguchi in soft pastels and charcoal. Moonshadow Fox Illustrated by Ilse van Garderen (1994).

Frogs Sing Songs Frogs have been around for some 190 million years. Amazingly adaptable and fascinating creatures, they live in habitats ranging from Arctic snow to burning deserts. Deforestation, acid rain, pollution, over-cultivation, global warming and the use of agricultural chemicals all threaten frog habitats, resulting in the destruction of some species. From the life cycle on the first page to the fact pages at the end, this book celebrates the joy of frog sounds, in the hope that they will not be silenced. This book is a companion to Spiders Spin Webs, Butterflies Fly and Birds build nests. Tony Oliver, one of the world's most renowned wildlife artists, is the perfect illustrator for this stunning introduction to the wonders of frogs and their songs.

Birds Build Nests Birds Build Nests, illustrated by Tony Oliver (2001). This book was preceded by Spiders Spin Webs and Butterflies Fly. Birds' nests vary enormously, from the most amazing delicate hidden pouches to vast tower-like structures or even shallow hollows in the ground. There have been over nine thousand species of birds identified worldwide. This book highlights just a few of these birds and their interesting and diverse nests. Yvonne Winer's charming and evocative verses are accompanied by highly detailed illustrations. This book is a companion for Spiders Spin Webs and Butterflies Fly. Tony Oliver, one of the world's most renowned wildlife artists, is the perfect illustrator for this stunning introduction to the wonders of birds and their nests.

Butterflies Fly Butterflies Fly, illustrated by Karen Lloyd-Jones (2000). Butterflies are spectacular creatures which are amongst the world's most engaging wonders of nature. Their fragile beauty, amazing metamorphosis, jewel like colours and joyful, meandering flight all spark our imagination. Yet the future of many species is threatened, as their habitats are destroyed by development and pollution. This fascinating book, by the partnership responsible for Spiders Spin Webs, features a variety of butterflies from around the world and makes a plea for their conservation. Yvonne Winer's charming, whimsical verses create the mood for each individual butterfly, and Karen Lloyd-Jones' colourful, detailed illustrations bring them to life with dazzling realism. The butterfly identification guide adds a further dimension with factual information about each butterfly.

Dream Dragon Released in 1999 - Dream Dragon illustrated by Stanley Wong. Dragons and dreams are interwoven in this magical, richly illustrated book. A gentle, original story with the flavour of a folk tale, it highlights the importance of dreams, storytelling and peace of heart.

Spiders Spin Webs Spiders Spin Webs, illustrated by Karen Lloyd-Jones (1996). Spiders Spin Webs is available in both hard and soft cover. For many of us, fear of spiders overrules reason and precludes our taking a closer look. Yet, contrary to popular belief, arachnids are rarely dangerous to humans and they are endlessly intriguing, often strikingly beautiful, creatures. Occupying nearly every niche on the planet, spiders are marvels of adaption, with astonishing variations in body type, web structure and feeding habits. This fascinating book features a variety of spider species from around the world. Yvonne Winer's charming, atmospheric verses create the mood for each individual spider and its web, and Karen Lloyd-Jones' colourful, detailed illustrations depict them with dazzling realism. The spider identification guide adds a further dimension with factual information about the spiders.

Nanangka Nanangka (1997) is a junior novel illustrated by Marianne Namaguchi in soft pastels and charcoal. Nanangka is available in both hard and soft cover. Nanangka lives alone in a remote mountain hut with his beloved sheep Chepeak. He ekes out a precarious living by selling wool from a small flock of sheep. With winter approaching, Nananka discovers that he has no money and no fodder. The life of his favourite sheep is at stake. He must send Chepeak down the mountain to find a new shepherd. This evocative tale portrays the hardships of the simple mountain life and the warmth and friendliness of the close-knit community on the rugged surrounding slopes. Readers who accompany the little sheep down the mountainside, will be acutely aware of his yearning for his beloved companion and their mountain-top home, and of the caring concern his predicament evokes in the people he encounters. Yvonne Winer's vivid portrayal of the harsh mountain climate and the spectacular, precipitous terrain is strikingly enhanced by Marianne Yamaguchi's exquisite charcoal drawings.

Moonshadow Fox Moonshadow Fox is available in both hard and soft cover. It's a delightful bedtime-fantasy picture book, full of imagination and warmth. A story that is perfect to share at bedtime before snuggling down to sleep. Simple text is combined with beautiful watercolour illustrations which echo the softness and dreamlike quality of classic bedtime fairy stories.

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