Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination

Was it a sailboat, a seashell, a swan or an orange peel that inspired Jørn to design Australia’s most recognisable building? In this gorgeously illustrated story, we follow Jørn through childhood as he discovers his love of building and creating, gathering ideas from everything around himself. When he grows bigger, so do his ideas, and something begins to take shape… can you guess what it might be?

Jørn’s story is about embracing dreams, believing in your own abilities, and the power of new ideas. Written in honour of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Opera House, it is also a topical springboard for educators and families into how the iconic landmark came to be. In celebrating the incredibly talented Jørn Utzon, it shows children that there are no limits to what they might achieve if they follow their dreams.

In a world of screens and busyness, Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination is an important reminder of the joy in taking the time to dream and create, a reminder which might just benefit children and their carers alike. Charming and heart-warming, it will enthral and inspire young readers, encouraging them to look at the world around them and use their imagination to its full potential.

“'In this beautiful retelling of the young life of J”

‘In this beautiful retelling of the young life of Jørn Utzon, the reader learns not only of the beginnings of one of the world’s most recognisable buildings but the power of the imagination, and the importance of letting dreams lead us into amazing places..” The Bottom Shelf Edu Blog
“With deceptively simple wording and colour illustrations, the book cleverly leaves the reveal of the Sydney Opera House to the last page, so that young readers have many opportunities to guess what the magnificent landmark that the book is referring to might be. This is the perfect picture book to give to any young creators and builders as it shows that not everyone may always like what you do but to never give up trying.” Story Links
“Both the text and the illustrations in this charming picture book are perfectly pitched to deliver both a learning experience about an important episode of our national history, with the creation of one of the world’s most iconic buildings and this amazing ability we humans have to imagine. I congratulate both Coral and Nicky for producing such an exquisite factional narrative for our younger readers. Highly recommended for readers from Prep to around Year 4.” Just So Stories
“A beautiful true story that will inspire children to dream, create, imagine, and learn from the world around them.” Good Reading
“We begin to understand who the architect was with such amazing ideas, and how they developed.” Blue Wolf Reviews
“This true life story of a little boy who becomes an architect of one of the most famous buildings in the world, is fun, informative and factual.” What Book Next?
“Jorn’s Magnificent Imagination is a moving account of a tumultuous creative career that may well inspire young readers to believe in and forge their own creative connection with the world around them.” Picture Book Parents
‘A great book to begin to explore STEAM with younger readers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths). This learning space sets up our younger generation to be problem solvers, creators, and innovators.” New Zealand Booklovers
‘Based on a true story, this book highlights the importance of embracing your dreams, believing in your abilities, and the power of new ideas.” Reading Time (published by The Children’s Book Council of Australia)
“a fabulous new picture book from EK Books that follows the early life of Jørn Utzon showing young readers that there is no limit to what they might achieve if they follow their dreams”. The Pregnancy Centre
“Visit this magnificent building, the Sydney Opera House, and remember a young boy’s dream that became one of the most wonderous buildings in the whole wide world.”. Good Reading
“EK Books promotes Books with Heart on Issues that matter, publishing an intriguing range of books which suit classroom discussion. This is no exception, raising issues of the shock of the new, boldness in adversity and courage in the face of criticism”. Magpies School Magazine

Coral Vass has always had a passion for telling stories and has been writing books for over ten years. She is also an ambassador for Reading Out of Poverty and is passionate about giving all children an equal opportunity to read.

With numerous best-sellers, Coral’s awards include the 2018 Speech Pathology Awards for Best Book- Indigenous Children and the 2019 CBCA Book of the Year Eve Pownall Award.

Nicky Johnston has several bestselling titles published in Australia and overseas. Her illustration style is often described as whimsical, playful, narrative, emotive and colourful. She loves to work in watercolour, ink, pencils and pastel.

As a primary teacher and acclaimed presenter, Nicky’s love of books sees her thoroughly enjoy taking illustrator workshops and visiting schools regularly. She is passionate about inspiring young children with a love for reading, writing and drawing, encouraging them to use their imagination and develop their own ideas.

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