Arrow River Books
“On a beautiful Winter’s day in 2022, I stood shin deep in the icy cold waters of New Zealand’s Arrow River, panning for gold. It was a long overdue holiday with my family and a rare chance for me to connect with nature.
As the water flowed past my legs and all around me, I could feel my stress and worry melt away. What was left behind was a realisation that I had been neglecting who I was in pursuit of what I believed I was supposed to be. My passion for illustration and storytelling had been long forgotten and I decided then and there it was time to do something about it. I may not have found any gold that day, but what I found instead was worth far more.
One year later I founded Arrow River Books, so named to remind me of that key time and place.
The logo for the business was even inspired by the rock creation my son made on the banks of the river that day. Imagination is the most important part of storytelling so this symbol deserved a place of honour.
Through Arrow River Books I plan to publish my children’s picture books and eventually one day hope to to help other budding authors and illustrators to do the same”.
— Douglas Hand
Douglas Hand
Author & Illustrator
Douglas Hand is an Australian author and illustrator who spends his free time writing and illustrating children’s picture books.
For close to 20 years Douglas worked professionally in the games industry creating art and animation as well as building and directing talented creative teams. His career has afforded him some amazing opportunities to learn and travel and Douglas tries to incorporate elements of his experiences into his work.
Douglas lives in beautiful Sydney, Australia with his wife, two children and a dog named 'Muppet'.