Based in Melbourne, Sally is one of Australia’s highest-selling authors with success in Australia and overseas.  She has written over 100 books for children and young adults, many of which are award-winning.

Her work continues to inspire both bookworms and aspiring writers, sparking imaginations and encouraging the next generation of storytellers. Through her business savvy and expertise in navigating the publishing world, Sally has not only built a successful career but also paved the way for upcoming authors in the industry.

Successful businesses often start by identifying a gap in the market, and Sally Rippin’s journey into children's literature was no different. While tutoring a young Chinese Australian student, Fang Fang, she realised there was a lack of children's books reflecting diverse experiences.

Combining a background in illustration and storytelling, Sally wrote ‘Speak Chinese, Fang Fang’ a book inspired by her student’s upbringing. The book went on to win an illustrator’s award, and soon, publishing houses were reaching out, offering her opportunities to illustrate and write for other authors.

What started as a creative pursuit in her early 20s quickly became a thriving career, with Sally’s ability to identify and succeed in a niche market leading to lasting success in the publishing industry.

A key turning point in Sally’s journey was recognising that publishing success wasn’t just about creative expression—it also meant running her career like a small business. Embracing this mindset allowed her to turn the art of illustration and storytelling into a sustainable and thriving venture.

As Australia's current Children's Laureate, Sally Rippin offers valuable advice to aspiring writers:

"Tap into your own childhood experiences to write authentically for children. Children can tell if you can understand and empathise with their experience of the world. Even if the world has changed dramatically since you were a child, core childhood experiences and emotions usually stay the same."

Sally writes stories with characters that resonate with children, parents, and teachers alike, bringing to life beloved series like Billie B. Brown, Hey Jack! and Polly and Buster. Her books have captivated readers worldwide, selling over ten million copies across eighteen countries.

Her success also reflects the rising popularity of Australian children’s books overseas, with international rights sales providing vital revenue to Australian writers and the wider book publishing industry. In 2024, the global children’s market was valued at $10.15 billion which is projected to touch $12.8 billion by 2032.

As Sally heads off to the Bologna Book Fair, we asked her what her favourite book is:

“If I have to choose one, I always fall back on Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, as for me, it’s a perfect picture book. Sendak invites us to revisit all the frustrations and emotions of childhood, along with its glorious, boundless imagination. There’s a reason adults and children still deeply connect with this book sixty-two years after it was first published.”