Published by Magabala Books
Indigenous children’s book illustrations and the recipient of the magabala Scholarships for 2013,2015 and 2023.
Shortlisted- Speech pathology Australia’s Book of the Year Awards(Indigenous Children’s category)
Notable- CBCA Picture book of the Year.
Shortlisted- ABIA Small Publishers Children’s Book of the Year.
Currently working on writing and illustrating childhood memories for Magabala and illustrating for Walker books
REVIEW: Fern Martins’ reputation as an Artist is well established. In Bubbay Christmas and desert Adventures her illustrations bring the magic of the narrative alive with a wonderful palette that encapsulates the heat and magnificence, of the outback. Her Colours and vibrantcy capture “a shimmering glow with a fiery tale flashed across the sky” beautifully – astandout page for my book corner.
REVIEW:The illustrations are just gorgeous. The dots of colour reference Aboriginal dot painting, but the characters are multi-ethnic, and the setting is urban. I particularly like the realism of the womanly of the spotty dotty ladt, and love the retro feel of the canisters and radio in her kitchen.I think art teachers would love the inspiration this book offeres decorating all kinds of things. The spotty dotty lady even has spots on her teeth!
REVIEW: Focusing in a nurturing relationship between a young indigenous girl and her mum. This book celebrates everything from football to friendship, reading to surfing.
REVIEW:Notable 2018 children’s book council of Australia, picture book of the year shortlisted.2018 Australian book industry awards, small publishers’ children’s book of the year. Fern martins illustrations seamlessly portray the dramatic skies, the thirsty animals and tiny creatures whose very existence rely on the monsoonal changes. Her exquiste rendering of the big landscape against the subtle shifts in the environment have a timeless quality that will capture the hearts pf all readers.
REVIEW: Shortlisted- Speech pathology Australia’s 2016 book of the year awards, indigenous children’s category. This beautiful story is made even more magical by Martins water colour illustrations.Which vividly evole with each turn of the page. The deeply rich colours and details give life to the story and life to the family that share it
REVIEW: 2020 speech pathologyAustralia book of the year awards. fern martins illustrations are a mix of strong and translucent beauty. her stained class interpretations of the cacoon at its various stages show its ephemeral quality in a joyful and fluid way. A feel good book for the family.