Ken Spillman

Ken Spillman (born 1959) is a writer based in Perth, Western Australia. Best known as a prolific author of books for children and young adults, his work has spanned diverse genres including poetry, sports writing and literary criticism. His output also includes a large number of books relating to aspects of Australian social history.

His successful 'Jake series' of books began with Jake's Gigantic List in 2009.[1] A celebration of books and reading, the story is dedicated to the Children's Book Council of Australia, to which Spillman has donated royalties. The 'Jake series' has appeared in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam, and is especially popular in India.

Spillman's 2007 novel for teenagers, Love is a UFO won the Western Australian Premier's Book Awards. He has also written children's books with comedian Jon Doust. One of these, 'Magpie Mischief' was shortlisted for a Wilderness Society Environment Award.

His first major publication was concerning the history of Subiaco, Western Australia (Identity prized) [2] - and he returned for a follow-up history some 20 years later [3]

Tied in with writing and research of the Subiaco book - he also conducted interviews which are now part of the Battye Library oral history collection.

Works

Includes two books with Jon Doust.

Notes

  1. ^ Murphy, David (2009-11-01), "Spillman, Ken (text) Chris Nixon (illus.): Jake's Giant List.(Brief article)(Book review)", Reading Time (Children's Book Council of Australia) 53 (4): 30(1), ISSN 0155-218X 
  2. ^ Ken Spillman - literary award brings problems'.West Australian, 6 June 1986, p. 11 f-g also Ken Spillman - wins prize for book on Subiaco West Australian, 28 Feb. 1986, p. 14 f-g
  3. ^ Spillman, Ken,(2006) Tales of a singular city : Subiaco since the 1970s.Subiaco, W.A. : City of Subiaco, 2006.ISBN 0959001662

External links