Dee Huxley (1947-2024)

Illustrator, teacher and artist whose creative work 
will be forever enjoyed. SMH May 25th, 2024

Dee (Deirdre Ann Huxley) studied design and craft at the National Art School, East Sydney. After graduating she taught visual arts in secondary schools in Australia and London, and later worked as a graphic designer for television. A freelance illustrator since 1976, her work is displayed in galleries nationally and internationally. Three of her books, Mr. Nick's Knitting (1989), Rain Dance (2001), and You and Me Our Place (2008) were short-listed for the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award. She used a wide range of media and techniques and changed her style to suit the mood and subject of each picture book. Harper Collins

Her first illustrations were for Scan: The Adventures of Popcorn by Sandra Levy, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Australian Broadcasting Commission 1975.

You can view an exhibition of preliminary drawings for You and Me: Our Place which was previously held at the National Centre for Australian Children's Literature (NCACL). And also for Look see, Look at Me. 

Kirkus review of Chance: Huxley’s color scheme turns radiant, brimming with peach, yellow, and the freshest green, whenever Chance’s parents are on the scene.

Kirkus review of Look see Look at Me: Rich reds and browns dominate the dynamic illustrations created with pastels on colored paper. For the most part, the landscape is sparse, populated by only a few buildings and scattered trees in the background. Foregrounded is a community in which children actively explore an expansive natural world while supportive adults lend them an occasional hand and scoop them in for cuddles.

Here is an abridged list of her titles. Notice some of the 'big names' of Australian children's books - Margaret Wild, Glenda Millard, Sally Odgers, Jane Jolly, Garry Hurle, Nan Hunt and Jackie French. 

• My Brother Dee Huxley, Adelaide: Working Title Press, 2016 
• The Miracle of the Little Wooden Duck Margaret Wild, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Working Title Press, 2010 
• Look See, Look at Me Leonie Robin Norrington, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Allen and Unwin, 2010 
• Tom Tom Rosemary Sullivan, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Kingswood: Working Title Press, 2008 
• A Bush Christmas C. J. Dennis, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Fitzroy: Black Dog Books, 2008 
• Paraphernalia's Present Diana Lawrenson, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Sydney: ABC Books, 2008 
• You and Me: Our Place Leonie Robin Norrington, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Working Title Press, 2007 
• By Jingo! An Alphabet of AnimalsB Janeen Brian, Dee Huxley (illustrator), ABC Books, 2005 
• Angel Breath Glenda Millard, Dee Huxley (illustrator), ABC Books, 2005 
• Limpopo Lullaby Jane Jolly, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Limelight Press, 2004 
• The Long, Sticky Walk Edel Wignell, UWA Publishing, 2003 
• Cinderella's Wedding Sally Odgers, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Koala Books, 2001 
• Rain Dance Cathy Applegate, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Margaret Hamilton Books, 2000 
• Unplugged! Glenda Millard, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Margaret Hamilton Books, 1999 
• Taking a Chance Sally Odgers, Angus and Robertson, 1995 
• The Secret of Frosty Drop Garry Hurle ,Margaret Hamilton Books, 1995 
• Cheese Please Julie Hume, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Mammoth, 1994 
• Hairy Charlie and the Pumpkin Jackie French, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Moondrake 1994 
• You Can't See Me, I'm Invisible Nan Hunt, HarperCollins Australia, 1994 
• Light the Lamps Margaret Wild, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Margaret Hamilton Books, 1994 
• Hairy Charlie and the Frog Jackie French, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Moondrake, 1993 
• Morgan and the Tooth Fairies Dee Huxley, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Margaret Hamilton Books, 1992 
• Remember Me Margaret Wild, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Margaret Hamilton Books, 1990 
• Oinkabella Hazel Edwards, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Margaret Hamilton Books, 1990 
• Onion Tears Diana Kidd, Collins Anne Ingram Books, 1989 
• Mr Nick's Knitting Margaret Wild, Dee Huxley (illustrator), Hodder and Stoughton 1988 

This moving and profoundly affecting book is about the overwhelming sorrow, grief and sense of loss felt after the death of a loved one. The simple and expressive text, with carefully chosen words, highlights the loss of someone who was always there and suddenly is not anymore. It’s a feeling we all have some time in our lives when we lose someone very close and dear. The graphite and watercolour illustrations are exquisite and deeply involving. They invite repeat viewings as there are many details to find: references to nursery rhymes, fairy tales and favourite moments in a life well lived. The gradual transformation to colour in the final pages hints at hope for the future. The three creators of this book have achieved a seamless presentation full of integrity, love and ultimately hope, testament to this cooperative and deeply felt project. Strongly recommended, especially for anyone who has lost a loved one. Even young children will take comfort from this book.  Review by Margaret Hamilton for Reading Time.  Dee Huxley's son Morgan was sadly murdered in September, 2013 in the Sydney suburb of Neutral Bay. This makes her book Morgan and the Tooth Faires from 1992 even more poignant.