May Gibbs is one of Australia’s most loved illustrators – her gumnut babies have been adored by generations of children. In May Gibbs: More than a fairy tale her early life and artistic career are explored in detail.   Encouraged by her artistic parents, who met at London’s famous Slade School of Art, a young May discovered a love of drawing and painting. Before long she was contributing illustrations to newspapers and magazines and exhibiting wildflower paintings to high acclaim.   In her twenties, May travelled to England in her quest to develop as an artist. While working and studying in London she became a supporter of the suffragette movement, and in 1911, at the age of 34, she returned to Australia to pursue her career.   She soon became a commercial success with her iconic illustrations for children. Her bestselling books, featuring the gumnut babies, established a mythology of the Australian bush that still endures today. This fascinating illustrated biography is complete with beautiful reproductions of May Gibbs’ work throughout.