Robyn Belton

Robyn Belton is known as one of New Zealand’s most accomplished illustrators of children’s books. She studied at the Canterbury University School of Fine Arts, where Russell Clark was an inspiring mentor. 

Robyn has won numerous prizes and awards, including the prestigious Margaret Mahy Medal for children’s literature (2006) and the Ignition Children’s Book Festival Award in 2018.

With author Jennifer Beck, she produced The Bantam and the Soldier (New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year winner in 1997) and The Anzac Violin (2018), a story based on Alexander Aitken’s experiences during WW1 which provided inspiration for Anthony Ritchie when he composed his renowned oratorio, Gallipoli to the Somme.

With author Joy Cowley, Robyn produced The Duck in the Gun (Russell Clark Award, 1986). This book was one of ten selected worldwide for inclusion in the Hiroshima Peace Museum.

Herbert the Brave Sea Dog, written and illustrated by Robyn, won the Russell Clark Award in 2009.
​
Over four decades, Robyn has illustrated the Greedy Cat series of school readers, written by Joy Cowley.  These have entertained and encouraged the habit of reading for countless children.


Robyn Belton at DWRF 2021: 
Writing for Children​