Bronwyn Bancroft author page

Bronwyn Bancroft biography

Bronwyn Bancroft is an Australian artist, illustrator, and author of children’s books. She belongs to the Bundjalung people of New South Wales. Bancroft has illustrated over 40 books, many of which focus on Indigenous Australian themes and stories. Her first illustrated book, The Fat and Juicy Place by Diana Kidd, was published in 1992. She has since illustrated titles such as Stradbroke Dreamtime by Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Big Rain Coming by Katrina Germein.

Bancroft has also written and illustrated her own books, including Why I Love Australia (2010), Possum and Wattle: My Big Book of Australian Words (2008), and Shapes of Australia (2017). Her work is recognised for its vibrant use of colour and distinctive style, reflecting her Aboriginal heritage.

She has received several awards and honours. Why I Love Australia was shortlisted for the 2011 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year. Bancroft was a finalist for the 2018 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) for Shapes of Australia. In 2010, she received the Dromkeen Medal for her contribution to children’s literature.

Bancroft’s illustrations have been exhibited in Australia and internationally. She has served on the boards of various arts organisations, including the National Gallery of Australia. In 2019, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the visual arts and to the Indigenous community.