Creative Spotlight | Ashleigh Barton
Published on 12 March 2026
Tell us a bit about who you are and what kind of creative work you make
I’m a children’s author writing across multiple categories. My most well-known work is a picture book series with HarperCollins that began with What Do You Call Your Grandpa in 2020. My other picture books include Dinosaur in My Pocket and Hedgehog or Echidna. My novels include Freddie Spector, Fact Collector about a little boy with a big imagination and an obsession with collecting facts, two vampire comedy-adventure books about an overly polite vampire called Solomon Macaroni, and a mystery-adventure novel called How to Sail to Somewhere.
Being a children’s author means presenting in schools, running workshops, and taking part in events and festivals. I love it all!
Where can we find out more about your work and get in touch?
Whereabouts do you look for creative ideas? Who or what inspires you?
I find ideas everywhere or, to be more accurate – ideas are always finding me. Most often, I’m inspired by my own kids, my childhood and the stories I read when I was young especially the ones that have really stayed with me.
What is a creative project that you’ve worked on that you’re really proud of? Why?
I’m really proud of all my work, but I’m especially proud of What Do You Call Your Grandma which was shortlisted in the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards and is on the Victorian curriculum. It’s used a lot in schools and I’ve heard of this book (along with What Do You Call Your Grandpa) being gifted by expecting parents to let their parents know they’re going to be grandparents which is just so special. My 2025 novel, How to Sail to Somewhere, is another project I’m so proud of. It’s just been announced as a CBCA Notable for 2026.
What creative project are you working on at the moment?
I’m about finish the proofread of my next middle grade novel, 89 Questions for After due out in August. This book deals with heavy themes but is ultimately an uplifting story of friendship, community and living in the moment. At the same time, I’ve been working on my 2027 novel as well as a few other stories I’m really excited about.
What’s the most challenging part of working as an artist / creative?
The most challenging part of being an author is all the waiting. It’s often a long time to hear back from a publisher, and a long time waiting for a book to come out – sometimes more than two years between signing a contract and a book being released. It’s a really long process.
Do you have any top tips for emerging artists and creatives just starting out?
My top advice for aspiring writers would be to keep writing (like anything, writing is a skill that gets better the more you practice) and to read widely. I’d also advise getting involved in the writing community as much as possible – attending launches and events, visiting bookstores, joining writing groups and being involved on social media. It’s a wonderfully supportive industry and someone’s always happy to help!