Cirrus@Austlit

Dymphna Rees Peterson is the younger daughter of writing couple, Leslie Rees (1905–2000) and Coralie Clarke Rees (1908–1972). She was named after the novelist Dymphna Cusack, her second name ‘Stella’ given at the insistence of novelist Stella Miles Franklin, both well-known writers of the time and friends of her parents. Dymphna grew up among the literary culture of Sydney in the 1940s and 1950s, in which her parents played an important part.

Since the death of her father in 2000, Dymphna has been managing his literary estate and preparing some of his well-loved children’s books for republication. Dymphna herself began writing as a teenager, winning the prestigious Henry Lawson Prize for Poetry while a student at the University of Sydney. Later she completed a BA in Behavioural Sciences and a Graduate Diploma of Education at Macquarie University. Dymphna also holds an MA in Aboriginal Studies. 

Australian writer, editor and critic Leslie Rees wrote 50 books, many for children. His series of animal and bird biographies includes Karrawingi the Emu, Sarli the Barrier Reef Turtle, Kurri Kurri the Kookaburra and Shadow the Rock Wallaby. With Shy the Platypus and his other nature stories, Leslie Rees introduced readers to the life histories and fascinating natural environments of Australia's unique wildlife. His works have sustained their popularity over generations of readers.

Source: NLA Publishing