Gina Newton

From Gina Newton: I live in Canberra, Australia with my husband and two kids (Oskar 11 and Jazmin nearly 9), two dogs, two cats and a variety of fish. I am a marine scientist by training with many years working in research and policy. I am especially passionate about marine science and the marine environment.

While working with the fishing industry for many years I recognised a need for more effective communication between the fishers, scientists and the managers of fisheries – in particular a need to ‘translate’ the science. This led me to become interested in science communication and I have now completed a Masters in Science Communication from the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the Australian National University. My thesis focused on communicating science through children’s literature and included a book about Australia’s first marine fish to be listed as endangered, the spotted handfish (it’s called Hang on Handstand).

I believe children’s books are an excellent means of helping achieve a more science literate community and for raising awareness of the world around us. Since my childhood I have written stories and poems, and sketched characters. I am happy that at last I have found that I can blend my love of science and nature, and my creative writing side. I also enjoy kid’s books that are just for fun, and that’s what my first published book Blossom Possum is meant to be – a fun read while learning about Australia’s wonderfully unique animals! I really enjoyed writing Blossom Possum and my own two children were my first testing ground.