Deborah Kelly writes books for children of all ages, from birth to teens. She was born in New Zealand and has lived in Japan and Scotland, but now calls Lake Macquarie home. We’ve known Deb for many years as our children have grown up in the same neighbourhood. Inspiring many budding young authors all over Lake Mac, you can catch her reading at local schools, libraries, preschools, and local bookstores. With a brand new junior fiction series and a middle grade novel to come in 2026, Deb’s books will continue to be enjoyed by children all over the country for many years to come.
Early books
Some of her earlier books include The Bouncing Ball (Random House, 2013), Jam for Nana (Random House, 2014), Dinosaur Disco (Random House, 2015), The Chalk Rainbow (EK Books, 2016), and Me and You (Penguin, 2016). This last one was the winner of the 2016 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year and a Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) notable book. She has also published poetry and educational material for the educational market.
Strength to strength
Amongst Deb’s bestsellers are junior fiction series Ruby Wishfingers (a CBCA notable book), and a middle grade novel, The Thing about Oliver (Wombat Books, 2019). This book was shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year, shortlisted for Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year, and won the Australian Association of Family Therapists (AAFT) Book of the Year in 2020, and was included in the NSW school’s curriculum.
Latest releases
Little Horses
(Wombat Books, 2024)
Deborah’s more recent picture books include Little Horses, a conservation success story set in NSW, inspired by marine scientist David Harasti’s clever seahorse hotel invention. By thinking outside of the square, David has saved a species from the brink of extinction, inspiring other countries to create similar hotels to save their own seahorse species. The book includes a facts page about seahorses and information about the seahorse hotels project.
The Doll Box
(EK Books, 2024)
A poignant story about a child finding her own inner strength, courage and resilience by drawing inspiration from the generations of women that came before her. Whenever Isla’s mother brings out her small blue doll box, Isla knows she will hear the stories of the women in her family’s past. Touching on themes of immigration, war and the feminist movement, their lives show Isla the incredible things women can achieve, and the strength she has inside herself to overcome her own challenges.
The Mosaic
(EK Books, 2024)
Frankie discovers that beautiful things can be made from broken pieces in this sensitive and hopeful picture book about family separation. Inspired by the author’s conversations with her children, The Mosaic is a uniquely personal story that aims to help children navigate the overwhelming emotions brought about by big changes, such as their parents separating. A celebration of art and resilience, this is a beautifully illustrated book to be cherished by anyone looking for comfort and joy.
Skin
(Rhiza Edge, 2025)
Deb’s latest release is a young adult novel called Skin. When a tiny freckle on Lexie Collins’s cheek turns out to be a rare kind of melanoma that requires surgery, she is left with a big, ugly scar across one cheek. She had just earned a spot in the state finals for public speaking, but with the scar, her confidence had vanished. She doesn’t even recognise herself anymore. Mum and Dad keep reminding Lexie how lucky she is that she didn’t need further treatment. But Lexie doesn’t feel lucky at all. She suddenly feels ugly, unsure of herself, and different from all her friends. She doesn’t want to be seen, let alone speak in public ever again. But when a chance encounter turns into an unexpected friendship, Lexie’s feelings about her scar and herself slowly begin to change.
Follow Deborah Kelly, author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeborahKellyChildrensAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahkelly_author/
Website: http://www.deborahkelly.com.au
