‘The best stories never end … They keep going on inside you.’ Ursula Dubosarsky, March of the Ants
Stories and characters from much-loved Australian picture books come to life in this celebration of children’s literature.
Come and see some of the most beautiful picture books and artworks in the State Library’s collection and beyond. You’ll find original illustrations and preliminary sketches from your favourite books and discover new favourites in newcomers like Christina Huynh (Grandma’s Treasured Shoes ).
Today’s Australian authors and illustrators capture our diverse cultures. They use picture books to connect young readers with important issues in a gentle and accessible ways.
Hear Ursula Dubosarsky (March of the Ants ), Maxine Beneba Clarke (When We Say Black Lives Matter ), Phil Lesnie (A Boy and a Ball ), Pamela Allen (Grandpa and Thomas ), Jeannie Baker (Circle ) and more, talking about their work, inspiration and creative process.
Younger visitors can enjoy our dedicated activity space, brimming with fun things to do. Learn how to draw popular book characters and make a zine, read books from the exhibition (including 10 with braille), and play with the giant textured tree and magnetic wall.
Exhibition highlights
Original illustration for Grandpa and Thomas by Pamela Allen published by Penguin Books Australia, 2003 - Courtesy Pamela Allen and Penguin Books Australia
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Original illustration for Felix and Alexander by Terry Denton published by Oxford University Press, 1985
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Original watercolour illustration the unpublished story, 'Hoppity's House' by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite, ca. 1930 - Courtesy of Vanessa Martin and Stella Palmer
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Illustration from Coming Home to Country (2020) by Dr Bronwyn Bancroft
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Illustration for A Boy and A Ball by Phil Cummings and Phil Lesnie, first published by Scholastic Press, a division of Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd. Illustrations copyright © Phil Lesnie, 2020. Reproduced by permission of Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd.
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Original artwork for the cover of Circle by Jeannie Baker published by Walker Books, 2016 - Courtesy Jeannie Baker and Walker Books
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Preliminary digital drawing for A Boy and A Ball by Phil Lesnie
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Learning resources
This site highlights the learning resources developed for the exhibition.
Visit the Imagine exhibition microsite
Free audio guide
Listen to the free audio guide on your own device when visiting the exhibition.
Go to audio guide
![Hope you're still going strong! [tennis] c. 1916, colour postcard by May Gibbs](https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/home_page__tile__desktop__nav__1_1_/public/landing-pages/tiles/home-page/full-screen-slider/maygibbs_tennis_gum_nuts.jpg?itok=YNFyxfOM×tamp=1527474584)
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