Leigh Hobbs was born in Melbourne and grew up in Bairnsdale. As well as being a critically acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator, Leigh is also a successful painter, sculptor and cartoonist.
He is best known for the character Old Tom, who first appeared in a series of illustrated junior novels and later became the subject of a popular animated TV series screened in Australia and Europe.
Horrible Harriet, which Leigh wrote and illustrated, was shortlisted for the CBC Picture Book of the Year Award in 2002, as was his book Old Tom's Holiday in 2003.
Leigh’s latest books are Fiona the Pig (2004) and Hooray for Horrible Harriet (March 2005). | 
