When the Mountain Wakes

By Matt Shanks

About The Book

A sweeping, profound and ambitious picture book. A powerful reflection on hope and healing, When the Mountain Wakes is a classic in the making.

Somewhere, towards the beginning of time, a mountain rose from the ocean and came to rest above the clouds.
Life sang a lullaby, and the mountain slept for many millions of years.
Until one day, when the world became too silent for sleep ...

 When the Mountain Wakes is a visually stunning graphic novel-style picture book where a lonely mountain awakens, discovers a single flower and begins a breathtaking quest to revive life, sparking a vibrant resurgence of nature across its peaks.

About The Author

Photograph by Simon Eeles, courtesy of The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation
Matt Shanks

Matt Shanks is an internationally published and critically-acclaimed author/illustrator of over twenty picture books, several of which have received awards. Working in mixed media, he creates books with heart, humour and imagination to delight and inspire readers around the world. He is a two-time fellow of the May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust and an Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation ambassador. Matt loves on Bunurong/Boon Wurrung land (Melbourne, Australia) with his partner and cat.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's UK (January 29, 2026)
  • Length: 32 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781398557123
  • Ages: 3 and up

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  • Author Photo (jpg): Matt Shanks
    Photograph by Simon Eeles, courtesy of The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation
    (0.1 MB)

    Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit

When the Mountain Wakes

By Matt Shanks
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