Hazel Edwards

Hazel Edwards (born 1945) is an Australian author of children's literature. She was awarded the Australian Society of Authors' ASA Medal in 2009.

Early life and education Melbourne-born and based, Hazel Edwards attended Ashburton Primary and Camberwell High School, graduating in 1961.

Career After working in a bank and studying at night, Edwards entered Toorak Teachers' College. She taught at Westall High School and was invited to lecture at Frankston Teachers' College while studying at Monash University at night. Later she lectured in children's literature and psychology at Toorak Teachers' College, and the Institute of Early Childhood Development, then became a freelance author-lecturer after the publication of 'General Store' (1977) and There's a Hippopotamus On Our Roof Eating Cake (1980) which toured nationally with Garry Ginivan productions as 'Hippo Hippo the Musical' (2016).

As 2001 Australian Antarctic Division writer, awarded the Antarctic Fellowship, Edwards travelled to Casey Station, Antarctica on the Polar Bird. Literary output based on her experience includes Antarctica's Frozen Chosen (a young adult eco-thriller), Antarctic Writer on Ice (her expedition diary), Antarctic Dad (a picture book), Right or Wrong (a play co-written with fellow author Goldie Alexander), Grandma Leaps the Antarctic (an Auslan-signed DVD) and Antarctic Closeup, a National Museum initiative.

Edwards was a 2012 National Year of Reading Ambassador, and has been a director on the Australian Society of Authors’ board. Her 2016 novel Hijabi Girl, co-written with Ozge Allan, is about a diverse group of school friends in modern Australia, and has been turned into a musical puppet show.

Awards and honours 2009 ASA Medal (Australian Society of Authors) 2017 YABBA Graham Davey citation for mentoring young readers and writers Lu Rees Archives (University of Canberra) Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA)