Anna Fienberg grew up in a house filled with books. Her mother was a teacher librarian who relished stories as much as chocolates. 'On Sunday mornings we'd all lie in bed with our books, lost in magical wardrobes, witches’ spells, genies’ magic... What we were going to read next was just as important in our family as what was for lunch!' says Anna.
Anna started writing stories when she was eight, but never imagined being an author. She studied psychology, fascinated by the dark world of dreams. She gave up counselling after an unfortunate incident with an enraged man and a chair (he missed!), began writing and scored the best job in the world. 'Working for School Magazine was a treat,' Anna says. 'I couldn't believe you could get paid for sitting back comfortably in your chair, cappuccino in hand, reading over a thousand books a year. Heaven!' Of course, as an editor she also had to write reviews and articles, stories and plays. One of those stories for School Magazine later became her first book.
'Tashi began as a conversation with my mother. She was telling me how, when she was a child, she used to tell whoppers. Creative fibs. Tall stories. And the kids would crowd around, dying to hear the latest tale. We began talking about a character like her - a character who told fantastic stories - and over many cups of tea we cooked up Tashi’ - Anna Fienberg.
What was your favourite book as a child?
‘My favourite books as a child were the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe contained the best idea, I thought, anyone could ever come up with. Imagine, opening up a wardrobe door and instead of finding shoes and shelves of jumpers, stepping out into a snowy land. To me, it was like all books expressed in this one idea – the magical delight of opening a first page, and being transported beyond the ordinary, into the extraordinary.’
What are the best and worst things about being a writer?
‘The best thing about being a writer is that you can sit around in your pyjamas all day and talk to yourself – and not feel guilty because it’s your job! You can be alone with your imagination and your lantern, embarking on secret and dangerous journeys, and be back in time to pick up the children and make the dinner. The worst things are that no one is telling you to sit down at the computer, you have to tell yourself to work but sometimes, if you’re stuck, or a character is being rebellious and sulking, you drift off and clean the kitchen floor and you don’t write enough.’
Where do you do your writing?
‘I write at home, in my bedroom. I have a small desk and a computer near my bed, so I just have to drift across a couple of steps and I’m at work (in my pyjamas). I do carry a notebook though and, if I get a good idea, I jot it down. Often, listening to the radio in the car I hear something interesting and pull over for a minute. If I haven’t got a notebook I write on my shopping list. It might go something like this: dozen eggs, 2 cucumbers, carrots, mutton birds migrate from Australia toward Japan and Siberia every year...’
What makes you laugh?
‘I love laughing. My son makes me laugh, he is a wonderful mimic. Lots of things make me laugh – watching people at the lights in their cars when they think no one is looking, my huge slobbery dog Fig who means well but is incredibly clumsy, my father’s dreadful puns, funny books, Kim Gamble’s accounts of his eccentric but hilarious childhood...’
Published: May 2022
Can Tashi use Much-to-Learn's spell to outsmart the Wicked Baron and stop the old forest from disappearing? A delightful new Tashi story from the beloved and bestselling children's creators Anna and Barbara Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble.
Published: November 2020
In this Australia Reads exclusive story, can Tashi use Much-to-Learn's spell to outsmart the Wicked Baron and stop the old forest from disappearing?
Published: July 2020
Meet Tashi: he's brave, he's bold and he tells the best stories! Eight surprising stories about Tashi's daring adventures collected into one volume for the first time.
Published: July 2020
Meet Tashi: he's brave, he's bold and he tells the best stories! Eight extraordinary stories about the magical and mysterious world of Tashi collected into one volume for the first time.
Published: July 2020
Meet Tashi: he's brave, he's bold and he tells the best stories! Eight astonishing stories about Tashi and the weird and wonderful creatures of his fantastic world collected into one volume for the first time.
Published: July 2020
Meet Tashi: he's brave, he's bold and he tells the best stories! Eight marvellous stories about the charming world of Tashi collected into one volume for the first time.
Published: July 2020
Meet Tashi, everyone's favourite boy, in this alphabetical journey that introduces readers to the wonderful world of Tashi.
Published: July 2020
A brand-new early learning Tashi book. Learn to count with Tashi and his friends in this book featuring everybody's favourite boy from Anna and Barbara Fienberg, the authors of the beloved and bestselling series.
Published: July 2020
A brand-new early learning Tashi book. Learn about colours from Tashi and his friends in this book by Anna and Barbara Fienberg, the authors of the beloved and bestselling series.
Published: June 2020
Tashi's adventures have been loved by children all over the world for twenty-five years. This special edition of the original Tashi book celebrates Tashi's anniversary, and includes a story about Tashi's first birthday, 'Tashi and the Silver Cup', and 'Kidnapped!' from Tashi's Storybook.
Published: May 2018
Tildy can see monsters that no one else can see and she sleeps with one eye open, until a new friend at school helps her overcome her fear - a delightful new picture book by the popular picture-book creators of Tashi.
Published: January 2018
The first book in the bestselling Tashi series by the much loved, multi-award-winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: October 2017
A deluxe, large-format, special hardback collection of eight specially selected Tashi stories including seven of the authors' favourite Tashi adventures, and one brand new story called Kidnapped!
Published: January 2017
From the creator of Tashi - meet the irrepressible dog Figaro and his cat-friend Rumba, who find themselves in big adventures that are fabulous fun for chapter book readers. With pictures in full-colour by award- winning illustrator Stephen Michael King.
Published: May 2016
Come with Tashi and his friend Jack on four fabulous adventures of mystery and magic. In this collection, Tashi tells tales of courage and daring, and each story features a beautiful colour illustration.
Published: February 2016
Anna Fienberg's fabulous new high-seas pirate adventure, with scoundrels and blaggards, devilish treachery, and pirates who long for a bit of comfort - great reading for 8 to 12 year olds from the world of Horrendo's Curse.
Published: July 2015
Jack and Tashi have to solve the mystery of the missing trophy and Tiki Pu's spittoon in this all-new novelisation of an original episode from the popular animated series 'Tashi', screening on ABC3, based on Anna and Barbara Fienberg's classic character.
Published: July 2015
Tashi, Lotus Blossom and Jack enter a storytelling competition in this all-new novelisation of an original episode from the popular animated series 'Tashi', screening on ABC3, and based on Anna and Barbara Fienberg's classic character.
Published: January 2015
One big book with all the Minton Goes! adventures, plus the story of Minton and the Hottest Boy who ever lived. Minton the spotty salamander loves things that move - and he finds just what he needs to make them. He's always keen for adventure, but his friend Turtle always worries that it will end in disaster. A fabulous story collection from the creators of Tashi.
Published: October 2013
In this fabulous full-colour picture book, Tashi rides on a white tiger to the top of the mountain to see why the dragon is not sending the rains to his village.
Published: July 2013
A rib-tickling, larger-than-life pirate adventure for 7 to 11 year olds, in an enjoyable easy-to-read comic book form. Adapted from the acclaimed novel.
Published: August 2012
When a burglar jumps through the kitchen window one night, Louis knows he should get him in a wrestling-hold while he has the advantage, but his heart is hammering and his legs feel like wobbly air. A larger-than-life story from Anna Fienberg, author of the classic Tashi series and Horrendo's Curse.
Published: October 2010
Tashi's too cunning for the war lord and the wicked baron, and far too clever for giants, ghosts and demons. And Tashi tells the best stories ever! When he comes face to face with sneaky strangers, ancient warriors, fearless kidnappers or even a haunted house.Tashi always knows what to do: stay calm, think hard and move fast!
Published: September 2009
The sixteenth book of Tashi's adventures, in which Tashi and his friends use clay and magic to make a golem who will stand up to the bully boy, Bang Bang. But will their big golem obey them? And can they rescue Ah Chu's baby sister from the River Pirate before the pirates sail away?
Published: July 2008
In the 15th book of Tashi's magical adventures, Tashi outwits the Warlord, with the help of a dazzling Phoenix, in order to get his Uncle Tiki Pu out of terrible trouble. And then he persuades the Emperor to let Princess Sarashina's sister marry her true love.
Published: February 2008
Minton the spotty salamander loves things that move, and he's always ready for adventure, but Turtle worries that it will end in disaster. From the creators of Tashi, here are two satisfying stories in one book, for beginner readers aged 4-6. Includes a guide to making your own model submarine and hot air balloon.
Published: July 2007
In the fourteenth book about the ever-popular Tashi, a fire-breathing monster breaks out of Wise-as-an-Owl's workshop and threatens them all, and when Tashi is accused of killing the carp in Soh Meen's pond, he uses a Truth Potion to find the real culprit.
Published: November 2006
Another five fabulous Tashi books all together in one big, fat volume. Ten terrific Tashi stories!
Published: July 2006
In the thirteenth book in the Tashi series, Tashi has to get behind the wheel to outsmart the demons and solve the mystery of a thief in the night.
Published: July 2006
The ninth book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: July 2006
The eleventh book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: July 2006
The twelfth book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: July 2006
The second book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: July 2006
The third book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: July 2006
The fourth book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: July 2006
The fifth book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: July 2006
The sixth book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: July 2006
The seventh book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: July 2006
The eighth book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: July 2006
The tenth book in the Tashi series of daring adventures and tall tales about magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. Created by the much loved, multi-award winning author/illustrator team of Anna and Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble.
Published: April 2002
A rib-tickling, larger-than-life pirate adventure for 7 to 11 year olds, with plenty of colourful cursing, fighting and eating.
Published: November 2001
The first seven Tashi books all together in one big, fat volume. Fourteen fabulous Tashi stories!
Published: January 2001
Leo is only a young wizard, but he is determined to confront the witch who lives in the lake and free his village from the spell of fear.
Published: May 2000
An exuberantly imaginative fantasy from Anna Fienberg about two reluctant friends who travel to the Island - a magical, mysterious place where they discover that fresh possibilities spring from dangerous adventures.
Published: April 1999
An intensely honest book, brimming with ideas and emotion. How do you make the most difficult decision in life when your family, friends and lover are more distant than the nearest galaxy?
Published: January 1998
A charming collection of stories about the adventures of five different children by the much-loved creators of Tashi.
Published: January 1998
Four fabulous, fishy tales told with with the magical quality of folk tales of old. This B-format paperback edition will suit independent readers aged 6-10 years.