It is the spellbinding fable of a boy, whose gift is so precious he is kept under lock and key, on a perilous journey with a young thief named Shoestring.

It is illustrated beautifully as a graphic novel, which was a collaboration between Newman and writer Julie Hunt. 

Newman said it was a long road to produce 288 pages of detailed artwork for the book.

“It took four or five years to complete,” Newman said.

“It was such a vast project.”

Her son Rafael was used as a model for many of the drawings.

“He did a lot of posing for me, but he really, really likes the book,” she said.

Newman said at the heart of the work was a really good story, with a little darkness.

KidGlovz, the central character, is named after the white gloves he has always worn.

He knows nothing about his past except that he was ‘discovered’ by his manager, Dr Spin, while playing the Minute Waltz in 13 seconds.

Dr Spin ruthlessly exploits the boy, barely feeding him in order to keep him small, and only allowing him out to perform.

Then comes along Shoestring and KidGlovz believes he’s made a friend.

But Shoestring leads KidGlovz on a journey through which the boy learns about friendship, betrayal and the true nature of his magical, musical gift.

Newman’s artwork also appears on the cover of Hunt’s award-winning novel Song for a Scarlet Runner. 

She studied art at Hunter Street TAFE and the University of Newcastle before working at the Newcastle Herald as an artist.

A natural born creative, Newman played in Newcastle bands The Bleeders, Golden Section and Yes Commissioner.

She now lives with her partner and son in Wollongong. 

KidGlovz has been released by Allen & Unwin and a companion novel is in the works.

It is available for purchase from all good book shops and online at booktopia.com.au.