It has been 100 years since May Gibbs' adorable characters found their way into the homes and hearts of Australians. To celebrate, Warringah Mall and Mona Vale Library will be hosting a free travelling display featuring May Gibbs's iconic artwork. 

May Gibbs was Australia's first full-time, professionally trained children's book author and illustrator and the display features reproductions of some of her most beloved characters including the gumnut babies and the brothers Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. 

The display explores May Gibbs' early work, the characters of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, Ragged Blossom and Little Obelia, her processes and examples of how the war influenced her work. 

According to the State Library of New South Wales Senior Curator Alison Wishart, "Not many people know that during the First World War she designed a series of postcards and bookmarks featuring her popular characters to send to the soldiers overseas."

The display, on loan from the State Library of New South Wales, will be on show at:

• Warringah Mall Library from 6 - 20 March
• Mona Vale Library from 22 March to 4 April.