Vale Chris McKimmie
Award-winning writer, illustrator and artist Chris McKimmie has died, aged 77. For many years the convenor and originator of the illustration program at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, McKimmie wrote, illustrated and designed numerous books, beginning in the 1970s.
His books with Allen & Unwin included Brian Banana Duck Sunshine Yellow (2006), shortlisted for the 2007 CBCA Awards; Maisie Moo and Invisible Lucy (2007); Special Kev (2008), shortlisted for the 2009 CBCA Awards; Two Peas in a Pod (2010), shortlisted for the 2011 CBCA Awards; Good Morning, Mr Pancakes (2011); Alex and the Watermelon Boat (2012); Scarlett and the Scratchy Moon (2013); Crikey and Cat (2014); Lara of Newtown (2015); and Me, Teddy (2016). He then moved on to be published by Ford Street Publishing, where his book I Need a Parrot won the CBCA Book of the Year for picture books in 2020.
Allen & Unwin publishing consultant–books for children and young adults Erica Wagner writes:
‘Allen & Unwin is saddened by the death of Chris McKimmie. He was truly one of a kind; his art and storytelling distinguished by bone dry humour, deep originality and a singular creative vision. Chris’s publishing with Allen & Unwin began with Brian Banana Duck Sunshine Yellow in 2007, described by Dr Robyn Sheahan-Bright as “a quirky, totally original, visual poem to the child’s innate celebration of all that is creative in the human heart.”’
‘Chris delighted in the absurdity of life and his books were often inspired by and dedicated to his many grandchildren, who often contributed to Chris’s rich, multi-layered mixed media illustrations. He was a complete all rounder, writing, designing and illustrating his books, even creating his own font (named Dylan and Blake for his sons).
‘Chris will be sorely missed by his wife Jackie, sons Blake and Dylan, their big extended family and the Australian children’s book community.’
Ford Street publisher Paul Collins writes:
‘It was sad to hear that multi-award-winning Chris McKimmie passed away on 14 September. Although he came to Ford Street Publishing late in life, we both enjoyed the ultimate of surprises in children’s literature, his book I Need a Parrot winning the CBCA’s Picture Book of the Year award. True to his promise, he also gave this micro press his next two picture books. But he was more than an illustrator with a unique and quirky style. He was a drummer, songwriter and art teacher, among other things. He was a Bob Dylan aficionado and passed listening to this artist and surrounded by his family. Vale, Chris McKimmie.’
Category: Obituaries
