Award-winning illustrators Ali Teo and John O’Reilly have been working together for over 15 years, having illustrated many picture books. Their most recent collaboration has been on Sarah Grundy’s debut picture book, The Curious Ar-Chew. The Curious Ar-Chew won the Storylines Joy Cowley Award in 2016, and is having two launches this month, in Wellington, and Auckland.
The Curious Ar-Chew
By Sarah Grundy
Illustrated by Ali Teo and John O’Reilly
Published by Scholastic NZ
RRP: $19.99
Ali Teo
Ali Teo grew up in Wainuiomata, and lives now by the beach in Mount Maunganui with her husband, son, and several rescue animals. She has won several awards for her work, including the 2003 Te Kura Pounamu Award; and she and John have twice won the Picture Book category, and three times the Children's Choice Category at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. She works in both advertising graphics, and illustration and design of children’s picture books. She says, 'I enjoy being involved in the creative process in both fields. My illustration style is varied but overall maintains a simple and graphic sensibility, often with a humorous or emotive edge. There is frequently a graphic design component to the work I do.' http://www.aliteo.co.nz/
John O'Reilly
John O’Reilly was born and raised in Wellington, and now lives with Ali and their son in Mount Maunganui. He is a graphic designer and illustrator, and established the interactive design studio Flightless Ltd in 2004. His first picture book, Kiss Kiss, Yuck Yuck!, was co-illustrated with Ali Teo and written by Kyle Mewburn. It won the Picture Book and Children’s Choice categories of the 2007 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Tahi, One Lucky Kiwi (2007), written by Melanie Drewery and co-illustrated with Ali Teo, won the Picture Book Category of the 2008 New Zealand Post Book Awards.