Leigh Hobbs (1953) is an Australian children’s author and illustrator, widely known for his distinctive, loose drawing style and offbeat, humorous characters.
He has written and illustrated more than twenty books, including the popular series Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, and Mr Chicken Goes to Paris. The Old Tom books were adapted into an animated television series, which brought his work to a broader audience.
Hobbs has been recognized for his contribution to children’s literature in Australia; he served as the Australian Children’s Laureate (2016–2017), an honorary role promoting reading and visual storytelling. His books have received multiple awards and shortlistings, including recognition by the Children’s Book Council of Australia.
His illustrations are characterized by expressive line work, minimal polish, and a deliberately unrefined look that supports the humor and individuality of his characters.
Instagram | instagram.com/leighhobbs1953
Website | leighhobbs.com.au
Amazon | Leigh Hobbs
The book follows Mr Chicken, an oversized, curious traveler, as he visits London. Moving through well-known landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the London Underground, he explores the city with a mix of enthusiasm and confusion, often misunderstanding what he sees. Hobbs’s illustrations, rendered in his […]
