Martine Murray was born in Melbourne, and now lives in Castlemaine. Her most recent novel, Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars, was shortlisted for the 2016 CBCA Award for Younger Readers.
'This is a glorious book. It's a work that feels as if it has been written from the heart of a talented author who works between the intellect of situations using words that bring insight and rapport immediately to the reader...Murray is a master of delivering wonderful writing when it means most.' * Judges' Report, 2018 CBCA Awards * `Murray pulls at the heartstrings as the life of the little girl from Serbia is revealed. Joey is the sort of boy we would all be proud of. Together they make convincing and interesting characters in a story for those sensitive primary school readers who are prepared to think about what they would do in the circumstances Murray creates. This is a touching story of two children finding each other.' * Reading Time * `The novel's strength is in its ability to reveal to a child reader that despite our multicultural community, children from ethnic minorities can still struggle with issues of identity...This is a book that could be a casual read or a whole unit of study.' * Magpies * `This is a gentle and tender story of finding yourself, finding new friends and finding your voice. It's for anyone who has a song hidden within them.' * Younger Sun * `Marsh and Me is a stirring coming-of-age story with a wonderful main character. Murray is a master of telling gentle stories, exploring the small worries and victories of daily life, revealing magic in the mundane.' * Readings * `A cute and quirky middle-grade novel about imagination, unlikely friendships and music.' * Paper Fury * `This is a story of an unlikely friendship, a common theme in children's books, but one that feels refreshing due to how nice these children are. Martine Murray captures sadness without wallowing in it...Joey and Marsh's story is both reassuring and encouraging for children aged eight and up.' * Books + Publishing * `Warm and wise for middle-grade readers who appreciate just a hint of the fantastic.' * Kirkus Reviews, on Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars * 'Here is a middle-grade novel that sees beauty and magic in the environment around us, and celebrates seeds of friendship which grow deep roots. I loved this charming and whimsical novel, and young readers will too!' * Alpha Reader, on Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars * 'Molly and Pim is wild, whimsical and wonderful. It makes you fall in love with the world and everyone in it.' -- Sally Rippin