Things you may not have known about Animalia creator Graeme Base.
- He has two Bengal Cats called Stella and Atticus. Stella is spotty like a leopard; Atticus is marbled like an ocelot.
- He has a secret way of crushing plastic milk cartons so they take up the least room possible in the recycling bin.
- He has a strange fascination with quantum physics and astronomy and puts himself to sleep at night by reading New Scientist magazine.
- He is a keen but so far unknown inventor of games, musical instruments and household appliances including a new kind of vacuum cleaner and a baby-stroller.
- He learnt clarinet in school and later played alto sax and keyboards in a band called Rikitikitavi. His now-wife Robyn was the lead singer.
- He has written several musicals based on his books including The Sign of the Seahorse, Gooligulch, The Worst Band in the Universe and Jungle Drums. They have all been performed but not nearly enough!
- He has a nifty way of winding guitar leads and garden hoses so they don't get tangled and curly when they are unwound.
- He has visited 40 of the 50 United States of America and all seven continents, and dislikes airport terminals more than he can adequately express.
- He has recently rediscovered several big boxes full of old sketches and drawings that have never been published and has decided to start an Instagram post with a new drawing every day – or maybe every second day... we shall see!
- He has sold over 4 million books in Australia.
.jpg?w=690&h=344)
SenLinYu shares the books the influenced the writing of Alchemised. From gothic horror to Jane Austen, learn about the classics that inspired the author.
Discover some of the best Christmas colouring books for kids and adults alike!
From book recommendations to wrapping tips, here’s everything you need to know about Christmas gifts for book lovers.
Whether you're stocking your school library shelves or looking for books to read with the class in 2026, these are the books the Penguin team recommend.
Discover six perfect food and book pairings to gift this Christmas. From thrillers and fancy cheese to heart-warming reads and sweet treats.
Sneak a peek inside the new journal to record your literary adventures.
Check out the most anticipated YA books hitting shelves in 2026.
Looking for the best Aussie Christmas books for kids? From Bluey favourites to heartwarming stories set under the summer sun, these festive reads make perfect gifts for little book lovers.
Discover the best crime books to gift this Christmas. From chilling thrillers to clever mysteries, these six page-turners will keep readers hooked.
Love fantasy? Check out these recommended fantasy books from our well-read Penguin Random House Australia employees.
In the mood for some romance this holiday season? Reach for one (or more) of these 21 Christmas romance books.
