About the Author

ROBIN GOLD found out, quite by accident, that writing is a real job. He wrote and illustrated his first 'novel' (a 21-page, handwritten epic) at age 11. He abandoned his first career choice of department store Santa Claus when informed that work was strictly seasonal. Since then he has written for film and television and co-created animation projects with his colleague Mike Zarb. Robin lives in a hundred-year-old house on stilts with his wife, two sons and silk necktie collection in a leafy Brisbane suburb. MIKE ZARB has been an illustrator, production designer and storyboard artist for over fifteen years, and has worked for various animation studios around the world. As well as illustrating BELMONT AND THE DRAGON, he is presently directing PEARLIE, an animated series based on the Random House books by Wendy Harmer, which he also illustrated. When he's not working abroad, Mike lives in Sydney's North Shore.

Reviews

"Short but surprisingly satisfying read for children who are not quite ready for a lengthy, more challenging book . . . Slick graphics and snappy prose; a good one for reluctant readers." --Sandy Campbell, former president, Children's Book Council of Australia (NSW)

"It is a wonderful read-aloud story for parents who will enjoy the jokes about the place names of Old (New) York and of course recognize the landmarks in the beautifully colored illustrations . . . Zarb's illustrations are a delight and have enormous kid appeal. And, it seems, there are more adventures planned for Belmont and Burnie." --Aussiereviews.com

"Just perfect for young readers, and especially boys, this new series is filled with craziness and chaos and wonderful animation-like illustrations." --theage.com.au

"The story draws on all the characteristics of the traditional fairy tale, but provides its own little modern twists . . . will delight and extend the vocabulary of the young readers." --"Reading Time"

"This is a funny, madcap, and mayhem story with a good dose of old fashioned slapstick. The illustrations, although set in Old York, are modern and full of humor. Belmont and the Dragon is a great book to introduce boys to reading." --newkidsbooksinoz.blogspot.com