Date : July 15, 2023
May Gibbs is one of Australia’s best-known artists and children’s book authors, and arguably one of the most loved. Her work has inspired generations of young girls who aspire to be authors or illustrators, and it’s easy to see why. Whether they admire May for her work as a writer, an artist, a feminist, or a combination of all three, May Gibbs is certainly one of this country’s most worthy role models for young girls.
The first female cartoonist in Australia
Born in 1877, May Gibbs won admiration over the decades for being Australia’s first female cartoonist. At a time where women had clearly defined roles in the home, May was undergoing an education in both Australia and the UK to help further her ambitions as an artist.
May Gibbs – Cartoonist and Columnist
In Australia, she was producing illustrations for the West Australian newspaper and for the Social Kodak magazine in fashion, politics, and feminism. She became a regular contributor to the Western Mail, with her sketches, cartoons, and illustrations appearing between 1904 and 1908. She helped to further the cause of women’s suffrage, and her illustrations helped to promote the cause across Western Australia and the nation.
May Gibbs is also known as Australia’s first resident professional woman cartoonist, and the first Australian woman to draw local political cartoons. Her work has been labelled as pioneering and inspiring because as well as being the first woman, she was also extremely successful.
In addition to her cartoons and political illustrations, May Gibbs was also an accomplished and highly regarded botanical artist, inspiring other local artists to work with indigenous Australian plants and flowers.
A global success in children’s literature
Gumnut Babies Original Book Cover
When it comes to Australian role models in literature, no list is complete without May Gibbs. Her children’s books have enchanted Australian kids for generations – and this legacy endures today.
May Gibbs’ most recognised book, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, appeared in 1918, and has remained a staple of the Australian children’s literary landscape ever since. Her work has had a lasting imprint on Australian culture, and it’s hard to conceive of Australian children’s literature without May to guide the way.
Learn more about the extraordinary life
of May Gibbs here.
Librarian Bec
Right now, Librarian Bec’s hard at work at your local library, sharing a passion for reading with little people and big. Bec writes about inspiring little readers and embracing lovely literature.
