Susanne Gervay is an iconic figure in the Oz world of children's and YA literature. Tripe AAA - Author, Adninistrator and Advocate. Because I couldn't put it any better, I am risking being sued for breach of copyright and stealing the bio direct from her web site: 
I am a specialist in child growth & development, a teacher and lecturer, am a Director for The Hughenden, a literary hotel in Sydney, am deeply involved in writing organizations. I am on the Board of the NSW Writers Centre, co-head of SCBWI Australia and New Zealand, lead the Sydney Writers & Illustrators Network at the Hughenden and was awarded The Lady Cutler Award for Distinguished Services to Children's Literature in 2007.
Impressed? I am! And if I could add something more, Susanne's junior novel I Am Jack is the closest thing to a textbook on bullying management in Australian primary schools. I am Jack was performed (and toured) by The Monkey Baa Theatre For Young People in 2008.
I interrupted Susanne's busy schedule to ask her my profile question:
1 The last children's book you read (fiction or non-fiction) Nette Hilton's Sprite Downberry which I loved because of its humanity - kids as carers, yet it was quirky, sad, happy and ultimately hopeful
2 If it wasn't an Oz title, then the last Oz title
3 Name one favourite book from your childhood To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee - deeply moved me and made me question who I wanted to be and what values I wanted to embrace.
4 Name one picture book that you love for the illustrations Mending Lucille by the deeply emotional illustrator Sarah Davis, written by Jennifer Poulter
5 What is your personal favourite among the books you have authored/illustrated That's Why I Wrote This Song because I worked with my talented beautiful daughter on it -she wrote the songs and lyrics.
6 What book do you wish you had written - for love or money DH Lawrence Sons and Lovers - so deeply moving and passionate
7 If you could be a character in a book, who (or what) would you be Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice - she's so deliciously flawed and wonderful
8 Do you have a favourite quote - from a book or life in general! Anything. 'War is not brave, but men can be brave in war and life' Quote from he Cave by Susanne Gervay
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