1. Bravery
2. Danger
3. Fantasy
4. Friendship
5. Gamilaraay / Gamilaroi / Kamilaroi people (D23) (NSW SH55-12)
6. Kindness
7. Loneliness

George the Wizard’s life on his magic mountain sounds perfect – a flying cloud, animals to play hide and seek with, and bubble baths that never go cold. However, there’s one thing missing from George’s life: friends. In a near-by village, Harriet hears George’s wishes and wants to help him by introducing him to the friends in her village. While George is hesitant about the prospect of meeting new people, he bravely steps up and uses his magical abilities to help save Harriet’s village from a dragon attack. Receiving admiration from the villagers for his heroics, George finds the confidence to be his true self and fulfils his ultimate wish in making friends.

George the Wizard is the debut picture book from Tony Armstrong, a Gamilaroi man known best for his professional AFL career and hosting roles across a variety of ABC TV shows. Tony grew up reading fantasy books and listening to the captivating stories told by his family, which is why he took the opportunity to write a unique story that centres a First Nations character in a vibrant fairy tale setting.

George’s magical world is brought life visually through the bright, colourful illustrations of Emma Sjaan Beukers, who is of Ngemba/Ngiyampaa, Dutch and Irish heritage. Evidence of Emma’s personal interests in spiritual and occult practices inspire her illustrations and can be seen embedded within George the Wizard, such as the artefacts and posters displayed within George’s home.

1. Hatchette Australia Activity Pack for ‘George the Wizard.’ https://hachette.blob.core.windows.net/resources/9780734422163-activity-pack.pdf
2. Hatchette Australia Teacher Resources by Robyn Sheahan-Bright for ‘George the Wizard’ by Tony Armstrong , illustrated by Emma Sjaan Beukers https://hachette.blob.core.windows.net/resources/9780734422163-teachers-resources.pdf
3. ABC Video Interview 28 October 2024. ‘Tony Armstrong writes new children’s book ‘George the Wizard’ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-26/tony-armstrong-writes-new-childrens-book-/104521344
4. ReadPlus 24 October 2024. Fran Knight reviews ‘George the Wizard’ by Tony Armstrong; illustrated by Emma Sjaan Beukers https://www.readplus.com.au/reviews/george-the-wizard
5. Better Reading 14 October 2024. ‘3 Reasons Why You Should Read ‘George the Wizard’ by Tony Armstrong, illustrated by Emma Sjaan Beukers.’ https://www.betterreading.com.au/review/3-reasons-why-you-should-read-george-the-wizard-by-tony-armstrong-illustrated-by-emma-sjaan-beukers/
6. Woman’s Day 21 October 2024. “Tony Armstrong on friendship and how it inspired his children’s book’ https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/books/tony-armstrong-book/