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  • Published: 2 July 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143787167
  • Imprint: Viking
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $24.99

Girl on Wire



A poignantly beautiful story from the CBCA Shortlisted author of Suri’s Wall, Lucy Estela, and Prime Minister’s Literary Award shortlisted illustrator of Adelaide’s Secret World, Elise Hurst.

Girl on Wire is a simple yet brilliantly uplifting allegory of a young girl struggling to build her self-esteem and overcome the anxiety that many children feel as they grow – she walks the tightrope, afraid she will fall, but with the support of those she loves, her toes grip the wire and she walks forward, on her own, with a new confidence.

  • Published: 2 July 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143787167
  • Imprint: Viking
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $24.99

About the authors

Lucy Estela

Lucy Estela's love of writing became apparent as early as age seven when she began writing and illustrating a multitude of storybooks and newspaper columns that were printed up at home and forced upon her family. Since then she has taken a fascinating path towards publishing her first book.

Her university degree focused on languages but rather than becoming a language teacher, Lucy was introduced to the world of computer games and has pursued a successful career in London and now in Australia as a developer of websites and games for the kids and youth entertainment market including such brands as Disney, Warner Bros Pictures, Chorion and Xbox.

Lucy's debut picture book with Penguin, Suri's Wall, illustrated by the talented Matt Ottley, was shortlisted for a CBCA Award. She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children.

Elise Hurst

Elise Hurst is an illustrator, author and fine artist. She has illustrated over 50 books and is known worldwide for her surreal vintage images in paintings, cards and her own books. Her most recent picture book, Adelaide's Secret World, was shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards in 2016. She lives in Melbourne with her husband, Peter, and their twin boys.

Praise for Girl on Wire

With the mental health of our young people finally acknowledged as a critical issue in their well-being, this, at first, seems a book for older students, but in the hands of a skilful adult even little ones will be able to tell of something they were afraid of that they have conquered and begin to reflect on their inner strength as well as acknowledging that some things are hard to get right first time but with courage and confidence and a belief in yourself it’s OK to try again and to seek help if it is just too much.

The Bottom Shelf

Awards & recognition

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Shortlisted  •  2019  •  Picture Book

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Teachers' notes