Gabrielle Wang
BIO
Gabrielle Wang is an award winning Chinese Australian author and illustrator born in Melbourne. Her maternal great grandfather came to Victoria in 1853 during the Gold Rush. Her father is from Shanghai. Gabrielle’s stories are a diverse blend of eastern and western culture with a touch of fantasy.
She has written more than twenty books for young readers, many of them shortlisted for awards, from the Prime Minister’s Award and Queensland Premier’s Award to children’s choice awards such as the Yabba and Koala as well as CBCA Notables. Two of Gabrielle’s books won the Aurealis Award – The Garden of Empress Cassia and A Ghost in My Suitcase (which was also adapted to the stage by Barking Gecko Theatre in 2018). Her latest middle grade novel is Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon which was Shortlisted for the 2023 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, 2023 Queensland Literary Awards, 2023 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and was a Notable in the CBCA Book Awards.
Gabrielle is the current Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador and was the Australian Children’s Laureate in 2022 and 2023. Her new novel The Silken Thread will be published in July 2025.
Website: http://www.gabriellewang.com/
Shop for illustrations and books: https://gabrielle-wang.myshopify.com/
SHOWS
Talks & Workshops
- Primary
- Secondary
Talks (Primary):
Gabrielle’s talks are based on her books which reflect the multicultural nature of Australia. She discusses where ideas come from, shows how her Chinese background has influenced her writing and how children can explore their own identity and personal experiences. She also talks about the writing and publishing process. A fun drawing exercise is included in her sessions.
Duration: 60 minutes. Requirements: Data Projector, whiteboard, table. Students will need an A4 sheet of paper, grey lead pencil and something to lean against.
Workshops (Primary):
Gabrielle’s workshops include fun games to get the imagination flowing. Students will use both their drawing and writing skills to create stories.
Duration: 60 minutes. Up to 60 students. Requirements: white board, table.
Chinese Painting Workshops (Primary & Secondary):
In this fun workshop students learn the rudiments of Chinese brush painting and complete finished paintings of their own. The methods Gabrielle employs means that every student comes away feeling enriched and proud of their work.
Duration: 60 minutes. Requirements: All art materials provided. School needs to provide newspaper to line the tables.
“A captivating session that enthralled all the children.”
Westall PS, VIC
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