Nicole Godwin
Author, Speaker and Founder of Tusk Books“Creativity is central to my work. As I write about important issues, I have to do so in a creative way that isn’t preachy or boring. I need to create characters that children love and a story that they want to come back to again and again.“
– Nicole Godwin
Full bio
Nicole Godwin is an award-winning author, speaker and Founder of Tusk Books. Her goal is to shine a light on animal rights and environmental issues. Her captivating picture books encourage young readers to consider the natural world they live in. The subject matter of her books includes a jellyfish falling in love with a plastic bag (Jelly-Boy), a dolphin discovering ocean pollution, driftnets and much more (Billie), and elephants being used to entertain tourists (Ella).
Nicole is a regular presenter at schools, offering engaging, interactive and thought-provoking sessions.
In 2019, she won the ACT Writing and Publishing Award in the children’s category for Billie. Also in 2019, two of Nicole’s manuscripts were recognised as highly commended in both the picture book and middle grade/young adult categories for the CYA Conference 2019 competition.
In 2018 she was awarded a scholarship to attend the 2018 SCBWI winter conference in February 2018. The scholarship was awarded to one author and one illustrator worldwide who are seen as being on the verge of a career breakthrough and who are contributing to their local SCBWI chapter.
Check these out…
Dive into this selection of images, videos and stories about her work.
Speaking at schools and festivals
Nicole is a regular speaker at schools. Her books help create discussion about how animals are treated and how our actions, advocacy and activism can help the planet we live on.
“I adore speaking at schools, festivals and other events,” she says. “They are an opportunity for me to share the Jelly-Boy, Billie and Ella love and talk to students and adults about ocean or elephant conservation and the book creation process.”
For schools, Nicole generally runs sessions for K-6 classes. In the image you can see Nicole presenting at Currumbin School in Queensland.
We asked…
How can we encourage kids to keep being curious and creative?
“Children are naturally curious and compassionate. As adults, we can foster this innate quest for knowledge through discussions, activities and by being open minded. Our children will then grow into teenagers and adults who can solve problems and approach life with a holistic view of what is truly important.”
What job or activity in your career have you most enjoyed?
“Visiting schools to talk with students about my books. I love engaging in discussion about the issues I write about and the book creation process. Children have such inquiring minds and ask great questions. You can see lights going on as we talk though issues they might not have encountered such as driftnets or ghost nets.”
Find out more about Nicole and Tusk Books
Canberra Women of Science and art
