the flying whale and the elliots
The Flying Whale showcases the art of New Zealand writer and illustrator, David Elliot. The gallery shares many of his beautiful, often whimsical drawings in a myriad of ways, including: original art, books, cards, prints, tea towels, t-shirts, tote bags and more.
David Elliot is an award-winning illustrator and writer of over 60 books for children. Over the last 35 years he has produced 10 picture-books of his own and provided illustrations for a further 50 books, both locally and internationally.
Gillian Elliot - The Flying Whale is the brainchild of his lifelong partner, Gillian, who loves sharing David's art which has brought such joy to so many, both young and old.
David Elliot - Books and art
Read more about David Elliot's art here or click on the most recent posts below.
David Elliot and the flying whale
books
David is an award-winning illustrator and writer of children’s books. He has created 10 picture books of his own, including the Sydney Penguin and Henry pig series. He has also worked with many New Zealand writers, such as Margaret Mahy, Joy Cowley, Jack Lasenby and Janet Frame.
Internationally he has illustrated books in the UK (Brian Jacques’ Redwall fantasy series), in Australia (the Ranger’s Apprentice) and the USA (The Great Tree of Avalon trilogy by T.A.Barron).
Awards & Bio
David has achieved recognition and awards both locally and internationally. Two of his picture-books, Henry’s Map and Oink, received starred reviews in Kirkus and in 2017, Snark won the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year and a ‘White Raven’ from the International Youth Library.
David's first board book, Bumblebee Grumblebee, received a 'White Raven' and was selected by Kirkus as one of the six Best Board Books in the USA for 2022.
David was born in Ashburton in New Zealand’s South Island. For the last 35 years he has lived and worked in Port Chalmers near Dunedin, where the Southern coastline and its wildlife are a continual inspiration for his work.
The flying whale
David loves books. So when I ( his lifelong partner) suggested opening a Gallery to showcase some of his illustrations - in a myriad of ways - he was bamboozled!
And now, eight years later, The Flying Whale is going strong. We continue to enjoy sharing David's whimsical art online and also through other outlets in and beyond Dunedin - as books, original art, cards, prints, t-shirts, tote bags and so much more...
We hope you enjoy David's art too!
