Michael Wagner is the best-selling author of more than 80 books for children including the Maxx Rumble series and Why I Love Footy. He’s been speaking to, and working with, primary school children of all ages for fifteen years.

As one of Victoria’s most popular school speakers, Michael can tailor his sessions to any sized groups, from single classrooms to whole school assemblies.

His talks include a comical and interactive story time session for Reception to 2s, and talks for middle and upper primary students which are full of practical advice, gentle wisdom and humour.

His many workshops for upper primary students range from a step-by-step guide to making picture books, to the keys to writing great description, to Michael’s popular Instant Plot Machine session (for grades 5 and 6) which explains how to quickly plot a story from any starting point (including a NAPLAN prompt) to a satisfying conclusion.

Prior to becoming a children’s author, Michael worked as a radio broadcaster with the ABC for ten years, wrote and produced animation for television, wrote comedy for ABC Radio National, grew up in a housing commission flat, and played in a band that almost became famous. He’s the father of two adult children and is married to fellow children’s author Jane Godwin.

Published Titles

Goodnight, Little Tough Guy, ABC Books, 2019

Why I Love Footy, Penguin Australia, 2015

CBCA Notable

Why I Love Summer, Penguin Australia, 2018

CBCA Notable

Bear Makes Den, Allen & Unwin, 2016

with Jane Godwin

CBCA Notable

 Family Hugs, Billy Goat Books, 2017

Maxx Rumble: Soccer

Black Dog Books

 

Maxx Rumble: Footy

Black Dog Books

YABBA shortlist     

KOALA shortlist       

CROC shortlist

 

Maxx Rumble: Cricket

Black Dog Books

 

Pig Dude: He Can Do ANYTHING!, Billy Goat Books,2014

So Wrong series, Billy Goat Books

YABBA shortlist

KOALA shortlist

CROC shortlist

The Undys

Penguin Random House