When you walk though the Australian bush, do you see banksia men in the trees or imagine gumnut babies hiding behind gum leaves? These were the creation of Australian illustrator, artist and children’s book author Cecelia May Gibbs -- May Gibbs. Next year is the centenary of the appearance of the first ever image of her iconic gumnut babies in 1913. In 1916 these bush fairies with bare bottoms evolved into the books Wattle Babies, Boronia Babies, Flannel Flowers Babies and then in 1918 her most famous story, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. In the early 20th century, their emergence can be linked to the growing awareness and celebration of the beauty of Australian flora and fauna. Gibbs achieved all of this at a time when women's employment opportunities were expanding. From a young age, May Gibbs created illustrations and caricatures for magazines and newspapers, she produced long running comic strips and botanical illustrations. She was an independent woman who made a living as an artist.

In 1968 oral historian Hazel de Berg recorded an interview with May Gibbs for the Australian National Library which is featured in this documentary.

This feature explores the long life of May Gibbs. She died at 92 in 1969.