Author Factsheet

“Colin Thiele, one of Australia’s most prolific, distinguished, popular writers and renowned children’s author was born in Eudunda, South Australia. One of his best known books was “Storm Boy”, he had around 90 books published in his life time from fiction, drama, poetry, history , prose, environmental and educational. His first books was “The sun of the Stubble” in 1961 was commended by the Miles Franklin Judges. In his books he often described life in rural Australia and several of his books have been made into TV Series and also into movies.

He has won many awards some are W.J. Miles Poetry Prize in 1944, 1951 SA winner in World Short Story Quest, 1952 Fulbright scholar in the United States and Canada, 1962 Children’s Book of the Year Award, 1962 Commonwealth Literary Fund Fellowship, 1967-1968 Hans Christian Anderson Award, 1974 Children’s Book of the Year Award, Companion of the Order of Australia in 1977, 1980 Children’s Book of the Year Award, Pinquo Christian Blind Mission International Book of the Year in 1988, 1989 Family Award of Children’s Books - NSW Family Therapy Association, and 1989 The International Board on Books for young People Certificate of Honour. In 1997 Colin Thiele was awarded the Dromkeen Medal for his contributions to children’s literature and in 1999 Honorary Doctorate from the University of Adelaide.

He was educated at several country schools and showed promise in his writing skills at an early age. He completed a degree at the University of Adelaide in 1941 and a course at Adelaide Teachers College in 1942.

He served with the RAAF as a radar technician in Northern Territory and New Guinea and in 1945 was married and had two daughters. Colin Thiele taught in high schools in South Australia. He lectured in English, ended up being a Vice Principal then Principal and in 1974 he was the Director of Wattle Park Teachers’ Centre, until he retired in 1981.

The Thiele Library at the South Australia University Campus is named after him in his honour . His last book ”Fiery Salamander” published in 2007.”