Michael Salmon has been involved in graphics, Children’s literature, TV and Theatre since 1967.  2022 is  his 50th Anniversary of both writing and illustrating children's books and visiting Australian Schools.

He started his career with surfing cartoons and exhibitions of psychedelic art …. and then joined the famous marionette troupe ‘The Tintookies’ as a trainee set designer/stage-manager in 1968 (The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust, Sydney)

Work has mostly been for young people … both here and overseas. Credits include the ‘Alexander Bunyip show’ (ABC-TV 1978-88), ‘Wayzgoose’ (ABC-TV 1977), theatre/pantomimes: scripts and scenic design, varied merchandise designs, toy and board game invention and the writing and illustrating of 176 picture story-books and activity-books for children.

Several million copies of books have been sold worldwide.

Michael has been visiting Australian Primary Schools since 1972. The hour long sessions are humorous, fun, interactive, and entertaining, with a focus on Students developing their own creativity. Suitable for all grades/years. Many photos of these visits can be seen on his website:

www.michaelsalmon.com.au

Several trips have been up to the Gulf of Carpentaria Savannah Schools and to the remote Aboriginal community Schools on Cape York Peninsula, as a guest of EDU QLD.

The Australian Government honoured his work in 2004 by printing a 32nd Centenary, special edition of his first book ‘The Monster that ate Canberra’ as a Commonwealth publication … for both residents and visitors to our Capital. Every Federal Politician received a copy!

Michael was also the co-creator and designer of ‘Buddy Bear’ for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation (Port Arthur 1996). The Foundation financially supports Children/Families who are victims of violence/violent crime; they are currently running an anti-bullying campaign in Australian Schools.

In 2010 the ACT Government further recognised his work by commissioning a bronze statue of the first book character ‘Alexander Bunyip’. ‘Unveiled’ in April 2011, it stands next to the new Gungahlin Library in our Federal Capital.

Michael presented ‘Bunyip-themed history sessions’ for audiences of School Children at the National Library of Australia, Canberra: 2011 – 2015.

School touring and new book titles continue ….

Early Australian History colouring panels -

For school projects (suitable for curriculum studies) - See links for free downloads