New Zealand Writers
TEO, Ali
Creates images that entice children to pick up a book and read
TEO, Ali (1972- ) is an illustrator.
Ali Teo was born in East Malaysia. She grew up in Wainuiomata and attended Wellington Polytechnic where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Design.
Teo works as a freelance illustrator. Her work has appeared in the School Journal, and a variety of Ministry of Education publications including two titles for the Ready to Read Series: The Gardener (2000) and The Gardener’s Maze (2002).
With Astrid Jensen she illustrated Ngareta Gabel’s Tekiteora, kei hea o hu (2003). The book was later translated and adapted from te reo Maori by Hannah Rainforth and published as Oh Hogwash, Sweet Pea! (2003). Tekiteora, kei hea o hu won the Te Kura Pounamu Award 2003. Oh Hogwash, Sweet Pea! was a finalist in the Picturebook Category of the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards 2004.
The judges for the Te Kura Pounamu Awards report that, ‘this book has a delightful cover design enticing kids to pick it up and read it. The use of multi media collage (freehand drawing, traditional and photographic collage) in the illustrations really enhances the book and draws the reader further into the story. ’
Ali Teo lives in Wellington and participates in the Book Council Writers and Schools Programme.
LK
Updated Information
Oh Hogwash, Sweet Pea! won the Children's Choice Award at the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards 2004. It was also shortlisted for Best Use of Illustrations in the Spectrum Print Book Design Awards 2004.
Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck! (2006) by Kyle Mewburn, is illustrated by Ali Teo and John O'Reilly.
When Aunty Elsie comes to visit she always gives Andy big sloppy kisses, so Andy always tries to hide from her. But one day Aunty Elsie doesn't come...and Andy finds he misses her - even her sloppy kisses...
Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck! won both the Picture Book Category, and the Children's Choice Award at the New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2007.
Barnaby Bennett (2006), by Hannah Rainforth, illustrated by Ali Teo, is the story of Barnaby Bennett who loves the colour red so much, he wants to wear it every day. After a while his family despair as Barnaby begins to smell. Fortunately Nanny has a good idea...
Tahi - One Lucky Kiwi ( Random House, 2007), written by Melanie Drewery and co-illustrated by John O'Reilly won the Picture Book section of the 2008 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Writers in Schools Information
Available to speak with: Younger children are preferred, but will also speak with older children.
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