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Tasmanian Literary Awards

Shoestring: The Boy Who Walks on Air by Julie Hunt, illustrated by Dale Newman (Allen & Unwin)

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Shoestring: The Boy Who Walks on Air

Twelve-year-old Shoestring is leaving behind his life of crime and starting a new career with the Troupe of Marvels. Their lead performer, he has an invisible tightrope and an act to die for. But trouble is brewing - the magical gloves that caused so much turmoil for KidGlovz are back. When he's wearing the gloves, the world is at Shoestring's fingertips. It's so easy to help himself to whatever he likes - even other people's hopes and dreams. But when he steals his best friend's mind, he's at risk of losing all he values most. A thrilling, heart-in-the-mouth adventure of ambition, friendship and the threads that bind from the award-winning creators of KidGlovz.

Read an extract from the book

About the author

Julie Hunt loves storytelling and traditional folktales. Her stories combine other-worldly elements with down-to-earth humour. She loves travel and is fascinated by landscapes and the tales they inspire. This interest has taken her from the rugged west coast of Ireland to the ice caves of Romania where she collected ideas for her graphic novel, KidGlovz, illustrated by Dale Newman. KidGlovz won the 2016 Queensland Literary Award and her latest novel, Shine Mountain, was shortlisted for the 2019 NSW Premier's Award. She has received many awards and commendations for earlier books, including winning Readings' inaugural Children's Book Prize for Song for a Scarlet Runner in 2014 and the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award for The Coat, illustrated by Ron Brooks, in 2013.

About the illustrator

Dale Newman creates images full of mystery, high drama and subtle humour, so her collaboration with Julie Hunt on KidGlovz and Shoestring, the Boy Who Walks on Air has been a natural fit. She has a background in lithography and etching, which brings a love of rendering light and tone to her pencil illustrations. Her distinctive work has appeared on gallery walls, newspapers, magazines and educational books for children. She has also worked extensively as an artist in the youth health sector, and uses these skills in workshops she runs with Julie in schools around Australia. Dale lives with her partner and son and their talkative dog on the NSW south coast. In her spare time she can be found rescuing dilapidated retro chairs from the jaws of the council crunchy truck.