What a Joke!

It's nudging sixty years since Phillip Adams' by-line first appeared in an Australian newspaper. As an atheist and contrarian, he's been annoying people ever since. Gough Whitlam calls him 'Australia's most perceptive social critic'. Robert Manne says he's 'perhaps the most remarkable broadcaster in this country's history'. As well as lots of books and TV series, Adams' dozen feature films include The Adventures of Barry McKenzie and Don's Party. He has chaired many government bodies, won lots of awards, attracted many enemies and remains hyperactive.

Patrice Newell was born in Adelaide. After careers in modelling, journalism and television, she bought a farm in Gundy, New South Wales with her partner Phillip Adams, where she produces biodynamic olive oil, garlic, honey, soap and beef. Her books include Tree to Table, Ten Thousand Acres: A Love Story, a heartfelt call for sustainable land use; The Olive Grove, her bestselling account of leaving the city for life on the land; and The River, a critically acclaimed examination of water-management issues facing rural communities. You can follow the life of Patrice's farm at patricenewell.com.au

Terry Denton has been creating children’s books for over 30 years. He has worked with many of Australia's top authors, written much-loved picture books and junior fiction novels, won more than 40 children’s choice awards and been shortlisted many times in the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards. His Felix and Alexander won Picture Book of the Year in 1986. His books include The Upside-down History of Downunder with Alison Lloyd, The Worm Who Knew Karate with Jill Lever, as well as the Gasp! books and the animated TV series, and the world-famous Just! books and Treehouse series with Andy Griffiths. His work is characterised by a devious sense of humour, an adventurous and inventive drawing style and an informed flair for what interests and amuses kids.