Children's Literature CBCA Award Winners 2018

The Children’s Book Council of Australia announced the 2018 CBCA Book of the Year Awards on Friday 17th August. Each year across Australia, the CBCA brings children, teachers, families and books together to celebrate CBCA Book Week. Generally, Book Week commences the day after the awards are announced. The theme in 2018 is 'Find Your Treasure'.

The awards given in six categories. This post has descriptions of all winners and honour books.

1. Picture Book of the Year

Entries in this category should be outstanding picture books in which the author and illustrator achieve artistic and literary unity or, in wordless picture books, where the story, theme or concept is unified through illustrations. Ages 0-18 years [NB: this wide age range reflects the fact that picture books can be enjoyed at many levels. As well, at times picture books are written for older readers and include mature adult concepts and themes]

Winner

'A Walk in the Bush', by Gwyn Perkins (Affirm Press)

Little Iggy doesn’t want to leave the house, but Grandad insists – they always have fun together.

What follows is a wonderful journey in the great Australian outdoors with singing birds, wallaby surprises, secret caterpillar messages and oodles of grandad humour.

Here is a story about the wonders of nature, the funny side of life and spending time with the ones we love.

This is a wonderful picture book from a new entrant to the field.

Honour Books

'The Great Rabbit Chase' by Freya Blackwood (Scholastic)

Gumboots is a soft and beautiful pet rabbit. He has very sharp claws for scratching and very strong teeth for chewing. But what he does best is . . . escape. Everyone joins in on the great rabbit chase. A story that celebrates what it means to live in a community and a reminder that life is full of surprises.

Freya Blackwood is a well-known illustrator of many wonderful acclaimed books. This stunning book has been both written and illustrated by Freya.

'Mopoke' by Philip Bunting (Omnibus Books)

Philip Bunting has written a number of special picture books for young readers. 'Mopoke' will not disappoint. In Philip's words:

‘Mopoke’ is the Australian nickname for the Southern Boobook, our smallest and most common species of owl. They are known for a love of peace and quiet, and their eponymous “mo-poke” call.

My first picture book tells the story of one little owl’s struggle to find peace. With a deliberately dry and clipped tone, Mopoke is designed to sound like Australian banter, channel the look of a Glenn Murcutt house, and feel as warm as a midsummer night out in the bush.

2. The Eve Pownell Award 

Entries in this category should be books which have the prime intention of documenting factual material with consideration given to imaginative presentation, interpretation and variation of style.
Ages 0-18 years

Winner

'Do Not Lick this Book' by Idan Ben-Barak. Illustrated by Julian Frost (Allen & Unwin)

Min is a microbe. She is small. Very small. In fact, so small that you'd need to look through a microscope to see her. Or you can simply open this book and take Min on an adventure to amazing places she's never seen before—like the icy glaciers of your tooth or the twisted, tangled jungle that is your shirt. The perfect book for anyone who wants to take a closer look at the world.

Honour Books

'Left & Right' by Lorna Hendry (Wild Dog Books)

Left and right are all around us. From our hands and feet to our eyes and ears, the notion of left and right is inescapable. Left and right control how we travel and play sport, and even how we eat. The vast extent of how this deceptively simple subject shapes our lives is revealed in the Left And Right book!

'Koala' by Claire Saxby. Illustrated by Julie Vivas (Walker Books Australia)

When a young male koala outgrows his mother's pouch, it's time to find a new home for himself — braving perils and adventures along the way.

In a high tree fork, a grey ball unfurls. Koala seeks his mother's milk, but for the first time, she won't let him into her pouch. It's time for Koala to make his own way in the world. Rival koalas, fierce storms, and frightening snakes force Koala to keep moving — until he finds a safe place to call his own. 

This is a wonderful book from a great Australian author and a legendary illustrator. 

At one level, this a wonderful story about a young koala growing up in the world. However, at the same time readers can learn a lot about this rare marsupial. A wonderful book for readers (or 'listeners') aged 4-7 years.

3. Early Childhood

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for children who are at the prereading or early stages of reading. Ages 0-7 years

Winner

'Rodney Loses It!' by Michael Gerard Bauer. Illustrated by Chrissie Krebs (Omnibus)

Rodney was a rabbit who loved nothing more than drawing. He never found it tiresome, tedious or boring. But then one day, disaster struck, the one thing Rodney feared, while working at his drawing desk his pen just...DISAPPEARED! A truly hysterical search for a missing pen, by award-winning author Michael Gerard Bauer.

Honour Books

'The Very Noisy Baby' by Alison Lester (Affirm Press)


Here is the story of a very noisy baby. She could bellow like a buffalo, And roar like a lion, And howl like a wolf for a very long time.

The baby loves to make all kinds of sounds. She's really very loud. But when some animals in the town go missing, can the very noisy baby help? Find out in this wonderfully boisterous story, full of action, fun (and noise!).

Alison Lester is one of Australia's most accomplished and popular writer/illustrators who has been awarded many prizes. Fans will love this book.

'Hark, It's Me, Ruby Lee!' by Lisa Shanahan. Illustrated Binny (Hatchette Australia)

Ruby Lee is a little girl with a very big imagination. Every week Ruby's teacher, Mrs Majestic-Jones, asks special people to do special jobs in her class. Ruby would do anything to be the messenger, as she's the best in her class at announcing. But will her wild imagination get in the way?

A delightful story about an adorable and irrepressible heroine.

4. The Book of the Year: Younger Readers

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers from the middle to upper primary years.
Ages 8-12 years.

Winner

'How to Bee' by Bren MacDibble (Allen & Unwin)

Peony lives with her sister and grandfather on a fruit farm outside the city. In a world where real bees are extinct, the quickest, bravest kids climb the fruit trees and pollinate the flowers by hand. Will Peony's grit and quick thinking be enough to keep her safe? 

A story about family, loyalty, kindness and bravery, set against an all-too possible future where climate change has forever.

 Suitable for readers 8-12 years.









Honour Books

'Henrietta and the Perfect Night' by Martine Murray (Allen & Unwin)

"Hello everybody, it's me. Henrietta the Great Go-Getter, and I'm having a big think. Right now I'm thinking I'd like a baby sister, so I can dress her up in different sorts of hats. But Mum says we'll have to wait and see. I'm terrible at waiting. Meanwhile, I'm an explorer of life, and that includes trees, bugs, animals and all mysteries. I'm going to school for the very first time, which means I might have to go as a spy so that I can have a secret peep inside."

When Henrietta sees Olive Higgie crying in the classroom, she goes on a rescue mission and finds that you only need one friend in a room full of strangers to feel perfectly happy. Henrietta's stories are full of funny thoughts and discoveries, and maybe the best are the ones that take a long time to come.

'Marsh and Me' by Martine Murray (Text Publishing)

There’s a hill out the back of Joey’s house. Hardly anyone goes there—it’s not a beautiful place, just a covered-over old rubbish tip. But Joey likes it up there. It’s his hill—somewhere he likes to go to wonder about life. He longs to be the best at something, to be a famous astronaut, or mountain climber, to stand out.

Marsh and Me is a story about friendship and trust and learning to believe in yourself and what makes you special.

The fact that Martine managed 2 honour books from separate publishers is impressive!


5. Book of the Year: Older Readers

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers in their secondary years of schooling. Ages 13-18 years. These books are for mature readers, so guidance is desirable for readers in their early teens.

Winner

'Take Three Girls' by Cath Crowley, Simone Howell & Fiona Wood (Pan Macmillan Australia)

This is a story about three girls which readers in their early teens will understand and enjoy.

Ady - not the confident A-Lister she appears to be.
Kate - brainy boarder taking risks to pursue the music she loves.
Clem - disenchanted swim-star losing her heart to the wrong boy.

All are targeted by PSST, a toxic website that deals in gossip and lies. St Hilda's antidote to the cyber-bullying? The Year 10 Wellness program. Nice try - but sometimes all it takes is three girls.






Honour Books

'Mallee Boys' by Charlie Archbold (Wakefield Press)

"Sometimes I feel like I'm neither one thing nor another. I live in the Mallee but I don't like the desert. I live on a farm but I get hay fever and I'm scared of goats. I like school but my best mates don't. I'm stuck between stuff. It's like I'm not meant to be here but I am." 

Sandy Douglas knows that life at fifteen is hard, but it's even harder when your mother died a year ago and nothing's gone right since. His brother Red, on the other hand, is eighteen now and working the farm. He's amped up on rage and always looking for a fight. And then there's their dad Tom. He does his best, but - really - he doesn't have a clue. As Sandy and Red deal with girls, dirt biking, footy and friendship, both boys have to work out who they want to be, without their mum around. The Mallee, where they live, may seem like the middle of nowhere, but it turns out this is going to be one hell of a year.

'In the Dark Spaces' by Cally Black (Hardie Grant Egmont)

This is a genre-smashing hostage drama about 14-year-old Tamara, who's faced with an impossible choice when she falls for her kidnappers. Yet this is no ordinary kidnapping. Tamara has been living on a star freighter in deep space, and her kidnappers are terrifying Crowpeople – the only aliens humanity has ever encountered. No-one has ever survived a Crowpeople attack, until now – and Tamara must use everything she has just to stay alive. But survival always comes at a price, and there’s no handbook for this hostage crisis.


This excellent debut novel is a wonderful SCFI that will engage teenage readers.



6. Crichton Award for New Illustrators

The Crichton Award aims to recognise and encourage new talent in the field of Australian children's book illustration. Ages 0-18 years.

Winner

'Tintinnabula', by Margo Lanagan. Illustrated by Rovina Cai (Little Hare)

In wild times and in wartime, in times of fear and illness, I go to Tintinnabula, where soft rains fall.

Tintinnabula is a story about moving from discomfort to peace, from violence and uncertainty to a still, sure place. It reminds us that our best friend in hard times can often be ourselves.

This is a wonderful book about resilience. The book is a powerful contribution to the exploration of this theme that uses free verse and wonderfully evocative drawings to great effect.

Childrens' Book Council Award Winners 2017

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) winners and honour books for 2017 have just been announced and are reviewed below. As usual, the announcement has coincided with Children's Book Week. The CBCA also publishes a number of lists (by age) of 'Notable' books each year which can be found HERE.

1. Picture book

Winner                                              

'Home in the Rain' by Bob Graham (Walker Books)

Bob Graham has been one of my favourite Australian author/illustrators for over 30 years. His work has been widely acknowledged and awarded, including the award of the Kate Greenaway Medal for his picture book 'Jethro Byrd, Fairy Child' (Walker Books).

He has the ability to create novel, engaging and inspiring picture books that move children of all ages. 'Home in the Rain' is the story of a family awaiting the birth of a child, with a storm pouring down outside.

As Francie and her Mum drive along a highway at night, they are buffeted by a violent storm. They park by the highway to wait it out. The wait inspires a name for an unborn baby sister in a tender, exquisitely observed tale.

A sister is coming soon, and as they wait in their car in a picnic area for the rain to ease, Francie wonders, what will they call her? When the windows fog up, Francie spells out Dad, Mum, and her own name with her finger.

What else might she write on it?  Perhaps the name of Francie’s soon-to-arrive baby sister. The rain stops and they head back to the highway again. Francie and her mum ponder the name, as they head along the road and stop for fuel. What will it be?

Bob Graham has a habit of taking the things of daily life, and telling stories that are laced with deeper meanings. And yet, he tells his tales with utter simplicity, adorned by his wonderful images. This book will be loved by children aged 6+ as well as their parents. It is a worthy winner of the CBCA award for picture book of the year.

Honour books                 

Mechanica, by Lance Balchin (Five Mile Press)

Welcome to future Earth. Despite repeated warnings, the environment has become polluted to such an extent that many areas of the globe have become uninhabitable, and wildlife is now extinct. From the ashes, a new style of ‘wildlife’ is created. Wildlife that will not remain harnessed by humankind.
Welcome to the world of Mechanica.

This is a stunning book, that has been created by Lance Balchin. It is an encyclopedia of Mechanica creatures with a fictional narrative.

 
The Patchwork Bike, by Maxine Beneba Clarke and illustrated by Van T Rudd (Lothian)

When you live in a village at the edge of the No-Go Desert, you need to make your own fun. That's when you and your brothers get inventive and build a bike from scratch, using everyday items like an old milk pot (maybe mum is still using it, maybe not) and a used flour sack. You can even make a numberplate from bark, if you want. The end result is a spectacular bike, perfect for going bumpity-bump over sandhills, past your fed-up mum and right through your mud-for-walls home.

This is a wonderful story by award-winning author Maxine Beneba Clarke, that is beautifully illustrated in a unique style for a picture book by street artist Van T Rudd.

 2. Early childhood Winner

Go Home, Cheeky Animals! by Johanna Bell, and illustrated by Dion Beasley (Allen & Unwin)  

The winner this year of the Early Childhood category is 'Go Home, Cheeky Animals!' It has been written by Johanna Bell and illustrated by Dion Beasley, an artist with multiple disabilities. 

It is a sequel to their highly acclaimed 'Too Many Cheeky Dogs', which was published in 2013, and given to Princess Charlotte as a present. It is a wonderful book that children will find engaging and fun.

At Canteen Creek where we live, there are cheeky dogs everywhere. But when the cheeky goats, donkeys, buffaloes and camels make mischief in the camp, the dogs just lie there - until those pesky animals really go too far. Then the cheeky camp dogs roar into action!

This is a very funny story that will make anyone laugh. It speaks of home, family and our connection to place. The author Johanna Bell lives in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia (NT), and is a storyteller who contributes to many projects as a creative producer and writer. Dion Beasley is well known for his Cheeky Dogs brand. He lives in remote Tennant Creek (NT).

At Canteen Creek where we live, there are cheeky dogs everywhere. But when the cheeky goats, donkeys, buffaloes and camels make mischief in the camp, the dogs just lie there - until those pesky animals really go too far. Then the cheeky camp dogs roar into action!

Honour books 

Nannie Loves, by Kylie Dunstan (Working Title Press)

Nannie lives on a farm with rolling hills, a muddy creek, and lots of animals. But what Nannie loves most is when her family comes to stay.

This is a delightful story with minimal text, that is related closely to the images. It tells us about Nannie, and the things she likes - Sunday lunch, Grandpa, Sunday lunch with her family. Then of course her dog, chooks, and even the sheep when they get into her vegetable patch. Kylie Dunstan's delightful 'soft' images offer a rich representation of the characters and life. Children will enjoy this simply story that will engage them at many levels.

Gary, Leila Rudge (Walker Books)

Gary the pigeon can't fly. When his racing pigeon friends head off in their travel basket, Gary stays at home. He organises his scrapbook of travel mementos and dreams about the adventures the other pigeons are having. But when Gary accidentally ends up a very long way from home, he discovers that flying is not the only way to have adventures.

Like most great picture books this simple tale (at one level) manages to deal with varied issues while telling a page-turning story.  Gary the racing pigeon needs to overcome some fears. Instead of heading off in races like other pigeons, Gary doesn't. He 'can't' fly! Instead, he stays at home to record other pigeon's journeys in his scrapbook. But one day Gary falls into a travel basket, and suddenly ends up a long way from home. By good fortune he has his scrapbook (it fell in too), and this helps him to plot his way back. It's his brain rather than his flying skill that gets him home.

The story and Rudge's delicately drawn illustrations work together brilliantly to create a memorable picture book that children will want to revisit. This is a book that has it all - it's funny, it has a challenging story, and it speaks into the hidden desires and fears of many children.

3. Younger readers 

Winner

'Rockhopping' (Trace Balla, A&U)

This is the story of an eventful hike in Gariwerd (the Grampians), from the creator of the multi-award-winning 'Rivertime'.  Trace Balla uses traditional Indigenous names and common names for places as well as referring to aspects of Aboriginal culture throughout the book.

This book is a celebration of Australia's Indigenous heritage, their land, its animals and their life. Clancy and Uncle Egg take us on quite a journey. I just love the simple line and watercolour images in this book that children will look at again and again.

Honour

'Dragonfly Song' (Wendy Orr, A&U)

Abandoned by the priestess of the island at birth, Aissa is an outcast, surviving by her wits - until she joins the acrobatic bull dancers who are sent away to compete on the island of the Bull King. A gripping and powerful adventure by acclaimed author Wendy Orr.

Wendy Orr, the author of Nim's Island, introduces a resourceful and resilient heroine for slightly older readers. Inspired by an archeological trip to the island of Crete, where frescoes show figures leaping over the backs of bulls, Orr weaves an intriguing mythological portrayal of the Bronze Age Minoan civilization. Lyrically written and refreshingly unpredictable, Dragonfly Song suggests a fascinating origin for the legend of the Minotaur and his dark tribute. (Publisher)

This book feels a little old for junior readers, suitable for readers aged 11-13 years.

'Captain Jimmy Cook Discovers Third Grade' (Kate Temple, Jol Temple & John Foye, A&U)

Jimmy Cook is finding History Week a bit boring until Ms Fennel starts banging on about Captain Cook. Then - bingo! Turns out he and Captain Cook have a lot in common. Here are three of the big ones: they are both named James Cook; they are both great explorers; and they both look great in a tricorn hat. Funny fiction for those who love Tom Gates and Timmy Failure.

Suitable for readers 7-11 years

4. Older readers 

Winner

'One Would Think the Deep' (Claire Zorn, UQP)

This title comes from award-winning author Claire Zorn of  who gave us 'The Protected' and 'The Sky So Heavy'. It is a ground-breaking young adult story about lost young men. It is available in paperback or as an e-book.

Sam stared at the picture of the boy about to be tipped off the edge of the world: the crushing weight of water about to pummel him. Sam knew that moment exactly, the disbelief that what was about to happen could even be possible. The intake of breath before the flood.

This is a book that deals with issues of grief and belonging. It is set in 1997, and the main character Sam is mourning the loss of his mother. With not much more than his skateboard and a garbage bag of belongings, Sam heads off to live with people who his Mum had severed her ties with 7 years before, his Aunty Lorraine and his two cousins Shane & Minty. He joins them in their surfing passion, and some ghosts from his past reappear. How will he cope with this? What is the path that he will take?
This is a Young Adult book suitable for readers aged 16+ years.

Honour books

'Words in Deep Blue' (Cath Crowley, Macmillan)

This is a beautiful, vivid and deeply moving story about a refugee boy who has spent his entire life living in a detention centre. This novel reminds us all of the importance of freedom, hope, and the power of a story to speak for anyone who’s ever struggled to find a safe home.

'The Bone Sparrow' by Fraillon Zana

Subhi's imagination is as big as the ocean and wide as the sky, but his world is much smaller: he's spent his whole life in an immigration detention centre. 'The Bone Sparrow' is a powerful, heartbreaking, sometimes funny and ultimately uplifting hymn to freedom and love.


5. Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
Winner


'Amazing Animals of Australia’s National Parks' (Gina M Newton, NLA Publishing)

With its enticing and colourful design and its fascinating information, this is a book that children will want to pore over-either at home, in the classroom or on a road trip. This book brings together 55 national parks, selected across all Australian states and territories, and over 120 animals.

Honour books 

'Endangered Animals', Jennifer Cossins (Red Parka Press)

This beautifully illustrated full-colour picture book is packed with interesting facts and is perfect for young conservationists and students alike with a keen interest in the world around us.

'The Gigantic Book of Genes', Lorna Hendry (Wild Dog Books)

Genes are the blueprint for life. They are found inside the cells of all living organisms, and are responsible for how a plant or animal looks and grows. Welcome to the gigantic book of genes!

6. Crichton Award for Debut Illustrator  

Above: Self portrait of Van-T-Rudd

The winner of this prestigious award is Van T Rudd for 'The Patchwork Bike' (Maxine Beneba Clarke, Lothian). This book is reviewed above. It was an Honour book in the Picture Book category.

2016 Australian Childrens Book Council Award Winners

The Children’s Book Council of Australia announced the 2016 CBCA Book of the Year Awards on Friday 19th August. The theme this year was Australia! Story Country. As usual, there were many stunning books. In this the 70^th anniversary of the awards, there were over 400 books entered for the varied awards. Australian schools have completed a variety of Book Week activities including thousands of traditional book parades, displays in school libraries, author visits and readathons. It is always an exciting week in schools.

This year there have been many wonderful books, including some that have broken new ground.

The Winning Books

1. Picture Book of the Year

Winner

Flight illustrated by Armin Greder and written by Nadia Wheatley

Flight is a wonderful picture book that tells of a small family that flees in search of refuge. It is of course based on the Christian story of Jesus and Mary escaping with Jesus from a wicked King Herod, to seek refuge in Egypt. The traditional story has been used as a parable for our times being applied to the plight or refugees.

Nadia Wheatley explained the genesis of the story in an excellent interview that she did recently.

As the idea took shape, I knew that what I wanted to do was to write the story of the Flight into Egypt in a way that initially lulls readers into thinking that it is set 2000 years ago; then suddenly, by introducing a bombardment and tanks, the story would become something that could be happening on the evening television news. Simultaneously, there needed to be a shift in the ‘back story’ of the characters and the peril that they are fleeing. After all, if the Holy Family were to be depicted as contemporary refugees, then I needed to think afresh about their cultural identity. (Interview with Nadia Wheatley, 'Reading Time').

This is a stunning picture book with its powerful text illustrated brilliantly and with stunning simplicity by Armin Greder.

Honour books:

Ride, Ricardo, Ride! illustrated by Shane Devries and written by Phil Cummings

Ride, Ricardo, Ride! is a powerful picture book that deals with war. Set in World War 2 where our main character Ricardo lives in an Italian village. He loved to ride his bike through the village and life seemed good as he peddles roads under endless perfect and peaceful skies. But one day this changes as the shadows of war arrive. This is beautifully written and delightfully illustrated.

One Step at a Time illustrated by Sally Heinrich and written by Jane Jolly

This is a wonderful picture book that tells of a relationship between a young boy named Luk and his elephant named Mali. This is an unusual tale of love and commitment. It is set on the border of Thailand and Burma where landmines are common. One day Mali steps on one with disastrous consequences, and so Luk helps her to recovery and in a wonderful twist, helps to get her another chance to walk. Heinrich’s wonderful illustrations offer a perfect enhancement to a delightful story. 

2. Early Childhood

Mr Huff by Anna Walker

Mr Huff is a story about the clouds and the sunshine in each of our lives. Bill is having a bad day. Mr Huff is following him around and making everything seem difficult. Bill tries to get rid of him, but Mr Huff just gets bigger and bigger! Then they both stop, and a surprising thing happens…

This sweet story will delight readers aged 4-7 years.



Honour books:

Perfect by Danny Parker (illustrated by Freya Blackwood)

Danny Parker says that this lovely story was inspired by a simple response from his daughter.

One happy day I asked her what she wanted to do. Her reply was simple. ‘I just need a crayon and somewhere to scribble.’ And so began a little story about simple pleasures.

Any parent will be able to relate to Parker's simple story. Freya Blackwood's watercolour images show the delight of children as they roam the beachside immersed in the light, sounds and smell of a perfect summer day.

This is a story that children aged 3-7 will love.

The Cow Tripped Over The Moon by Tony Wilson (illustrated by Laura Wood)

This is an amusing recreation of the traditional nursery rhyme that all children know.

Hey diddle diddle
The dish and the fiddle
The cat mucked around with the spoon,
The cow felt quite lazy
The details are hazy
And nobody went near the moon.

Children love to do their own imaginative recreations of stories and this one will amuse and engage them. Laura Wood's simple images are rich in colour and cartoon-like details, children will love them. A perfect and fun book to read to or with children aged 3-7 years.

3. Younger Readers

Soon by Morris Gleitzman

Soon continues the incredibly moving story of Felix, a Jewish boy still struggling to survive in the wake of the liberation of Poland after the end of World War Two. The Jewish boy shares:

I hoped the Nazis would be defeated. And they were. I hoped the war would be over. And it was. I hoped we would be safe. But we aren’t.

Sister Heart by Sally Morgan
 

This is a story about a young Aboriginal girl. She is taken from the northern Australia to an institution in the southern Australia. The story takes us through the events of her life as she creates a new life for herself. In spite of tragedy she finds great strength in friendships.

The novel is in free verse, and as you'd expect from Sally Morgan, she doesn't waste a word. It is a powerful story which affirms the power of family and kinship. It should be enjoyed by 13-15 year olds. This is another stunning book from Fremantle Press that keeps turning out many wonderful titles. 

Shadows of the Master by Emily Rodda

Britta has always wanted to be a trader like her father, sailing the nine seas and bringing precious cargo home to Del harbour. Her dreams seemed safe until her father's quest to find the fabled Staff of Tier ended in blood and horror. Now his shamed family is in hiding, and his ship, the Star of Deltora, belongs to the powerful Rosalyn fleet. But Britta's ambition burns as fiercely as ever. When she suddenly gets the chance to win back her future she knows she has to take it whatever the cost. She has no idea that shadows from a distant, haunted isle are watching her every move.

4. Older Readers

Cloudwish by Fiona Wood

Scholarship student Vân U’oc Phan is all work and no play – until star athlete Billy Gardiner develops a sudden and seemingly irrational interest in her. Worried that she’s at the centre of an elaborate joke, Vân U’oc starts to wonder if magic could actually exist. For Vân Uoc Phan, fantasies fell into two categories: nourishing, or pointless. Daydreaming about Billy Gardiner, for example? Pointless. It always left her feeling sick, as though she'd eaten too much sugar. 

Fiona Wood moved from writing film scripts after 10 years and has had great success as a writer of children's fiction. 'Cloudwish' is her third novel, her second YA novel 'Wildlife', won the 2014 CBCA Book of the Year, Older Readers.

Honour Books

A Single Stone by Meg McKinlay

Every girl dreams of being part of the line—the chosen seven who tunnel deep into the mountain to find the harvest. No work is more important.

Jena is the leader of the line—strong, respected, reliable. And—as all girls must be—she is small; years of training have seen to that. It is not always easy but it is the way of things. And so a girl must wrap her limbs, lie still, deny herself a second bowl of stew. Or a first.

But what happens when one tiny discovery makes Jena question the world she knows? What happens when moving a single stone changes everything?

This is a delightful tale set in a dystopian world where Jenna's village has been cut off from the outside world. They have no way out so the villagers need to adapt their lives to this existence. Girls of fine bones are desirable and special, but boys have little value. Jenna begins to question the work that she was born to do. This is a shocking tale in its own way, but there is also hope.

Inbetween Days by Vikki Wakefield

At seventeen, Jacklin Bates is all grown up. She’s dropped out of school. She’s living with her runaway sister, Trudy, and she’s in secret, obsessive love with Luke, who doesn’t love her back. She’s stuck in Mobius—a dying town with the macabre suicide forest its only attraction—stuck working in the roadhouse and babysitting her boss’s demented father.

A stranger sets up camp in the forest and the boy next door returns; Jack’s father moves into the shed and her mother steps up her campaign to punish Jack for leaving, too. Trudy’s brilliant façade is cracking and Jack’s only friend, Astrid, has done something unforgivable.

Jack is losing everything, including her mind. As she struggles to hold onto the life she thought she wanted, Jack learns that growing up is complicated—and love might be the biggest mystery of all.


5. Eve Pownall Award for Information Books

Lennie The Legend: Solo to Sydney by Pony by Stephanie Owen Reeder

This is the inspiring true story of 9-year-old Lennie Gwyther who, at the height of the Great Depression in 1932, rode his pony from his home town of Leongatha in rural Victoria to Sydney to witness the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Lennie’s 1,000-kilometre solo journey captured the imagination of the nation, and his determination and courage provided hope to many at a difficult time in Australia’s history. 

In its day, this true story captured the attention of a world that was looking for good news stories at a time when all was gloomy and hopeless. This is a great read and a very worthy winner in this category.

Honour books:

Phasmid: Saving the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect by Rohan Cleave (illustrated by Coral Tulloch)

Phasmid presents the amazing true story of the Lord Howe Island Phasmid – aka Stick Insect. Once thought to be extinct, the phasmids were rediscovered on Balls Pyramid, a volcanic outcrop 23 kilometers off the coast of Lord Howe Island, Australia, prompting an extraordinary conservation effort to save this remarkable insect. It is now officially known as a “Lazarus species” and has attracted the attention of zoo goers, tourists, naturalists Dr. Jane Goodall and Sir David Attenborough and millions of viewers on Vimeo.

This is a wonderful book. It has stunning watercolor illustrations by Coral Tulloch. It is a positive story about the survival of one 'species’ when many others are dying.  It will hopefully challenge young readers to think about the survival of all species and become more ecologically engaged.


Ancestry: Stories of Multicultural Anzacs by Robyn Siers (illustrated by Carlie Walker)

Ancestry is the third book in the Century of service series. It tells the stories of individuals and families from a range of cultural backgrounds who served with Australian units during the First World War. This image-rich publication draws on the Australian War Memorial’s diverse collection, including private records, photographs, works of art, and relics.

You can download a version of this delightlfully produced free of charge.

6. Crichton Award for New Illustrators

The Underwater Fancy Dress Parade by Allison Colpoys and written by Davina Bell

This is a delightful book for younger readers that explores social anxiety and how a boy copes with it. Faced with the fancy-dress parade. Parties, school events and other social occasions are worrying times for him and now he isn't brave enough to participate. He doesn't want to take part, so his mum takes him to the aquarium. He wanders round miserable and depressed and seeing himself as a failure, until a fish pokes its nose out from amongst some coral and captures his interest.

This lovely picture book introduces the work of Allison Colpoys an exciting new illustrator, who manages to capture the reality of insecurity and vulnerability. An interesting book for children aged 3–8.

Children's Book Council Awards for 2015: Winners & Honour Books

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards were announced on the 21st August. This event always marks the beginning of Children’s Book Week. As usual, the winners and honour books are a fabulous collection. But for every book that wins or is an honour book, there are many more worthy books. Thankfully, the CBCA publishes a set of category lists for approximately 100 notable books each year. You can find the lists HERE.

This year we have superb books and memorable successes.  Perhaps the stand out is the success of illustrator Freya Blackwood in winning not one but three awards. Readers of this blog will recognise that her talent was spotted long ago on this blog and that I have featured many of Freya Blackwood's beautifully illustrated books, including My Two Blankets written by Irena Kobald, which I reviewed in my last post. This of course has now been named Picture Book of the Year. Amazingly, Freya has no formal training in art and took up illustrating while she was working on The Lord of The Ring's film trilogy as an effects technician.  Freya began a collaboration with well known author Libby Gleeson on the book 'Amy & Louis' that won Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year in 2007. This was published as 'Half a World Away' in the USA.


As well as best picture book, Blackwood won in two other categories with Libby Gleeson. In the Early Childhood category for Go to Sleep, Jessie! In the Younger Readers category Gleeson's wonderful story and Blackwood's beautiful pencil and watercolour illustrations are magical in 'The Cleo Stories: The Necklace and The Present'. 

1. Older Readers

Winner

'The Protected' by Claire Zorn (University of Queensland Press)

This is the story of one girl Hannah who lost her sister Katie in a terrible car accident. Her family is torn apart by grief and guilt and such wounds can take a long time to heal. "I have three months left to call Katie my older sister. Then the gap will close and I will pass her. I will get older. But Katie will always be fifteen, eleven months and twenty-one days old."

Hannah's world is in pieces and she doesn't need the school counsellor to tell her she has deep-seated psychological issues. With a seriously depressed mother, an injured dad, and a dead sister, who wouldn't have problems? Hannah should feel terrible but for the first time in ages, she feels a glimmer of hope and isn't afraid anymore. Is it because the elusive Josh is taking an interest in her? Or does it run deeper than that?"

Honour Books

'Nona & Me', by Clare Atkins (Black Inc.)
'The Minnow' by Diana Sweeney (Text Publishing)


2. Younger Readers

Winner

'The Cleo Stories The Necklace and the Present', by Libby Gleeson, Illustrator Freya Blackwood (Allen & Unwin)

This is a wonderful collection of stories about Cleo a little girl with a giant imagination and curiosity. She is a wonderful character that five to six-year-old emerging readers will love. The situations and characters will be well known to these young readers. The stories cover friendship, life's frustrations and patience when waiting for special times, giving and receiving, being accepted.

Beautifully illustrated by Freya Blackwood with her characteristic watercolour images. A wonderful book for 'first' readers.

Honour Books

'Two Wolves' by Tristan Bancks (Random House Australia)

'Withering-by-Sea: a Stella Montgomery Intrigue', by Judith Rossell, Judith (ABC Books, Harper Collins Publishers)










3. Early Childhood

Winner

'Go to Sleep, Jessie!', by Libby Gleeson, illustrator Freya Blackwood (Little Hare, Hardie Grant Egmont)

Why can't Jessie go to sleep? She stands in her cot, and protests. Her sister can’t sleep either, why does she have to share a room with her anyway? This is a familiar situation with a more significant deeper layer. It isn't just about sisters cohabiting. This book taps into the theme of sibling rivalry and love.

Freya Blackwood’s illustrations once again help to produce a memorable book. Her watercolour, and pencil images give an insight into the frustration of the big sister. Her work with Gleeson is a wonderful collaboration.

Honour Books

'Scary Night' by Lesley Gibbes, illustrator Stephen Michael King (Working Title Press)
'Noni the Pony goes to the Beach', written and illustrated by Alison Lester (Allen & Unwin)

4. Picture Book of the Year

Winner

'My Two Blankets', illustrator Freya Blackwood, text by Irena Kobald (Little Hare, Hardie Grant Egmont)

This is the story of a young girl called Cartwheel. She leaves her war-ravaged country and heads for somewhere seen as safe. But the new country is so strange and foreign that she is confused and wonders who she is. She finds comfort in a metaphorical blanket. This is a blanket of blue-grey words and angular sounds. A young girl offers her friendship and teaches her some words. Cartwheel takes these words and begins to create a new blanket. And from these words and sounds she learns new things. At first it is all too hard, but over time her angular world develops a smoother and more comfortable form and is as warm and familiar as her old blanket.

Freya Blackwood is a brilliant illustrator and she takes this complex text and weaves her magic to create a very special book. In the illustrator's words:

"The metaphorical blanket was a difficult concept to illustrate and took me a long time to solve. But I was really attracted to the idea of a visual interpretation of feelings, sounds and words."

Honour Books

'One Minute's Silence', illustrator Michael Camilleri, text David Metzenthen (Allen & Unwin)
 
There were many books about war and conflict in the shortlist this year, one in which we remembered that it is 100 years since the Gallipoli landing that is such a significant part of Australian, New Zealand and British history. As such it was fitting to see 'One Minute's Silence' named as an honour book. I suspect that this wonderful book might have won but for the brilliance of 'My Two Blankets'.

'The Stone Lion', illustrator Ritva Voutila, text Margaret Wild (Little Hare, Hardie Grant Egmont)

5. Eve Pownall Award for Information Books

Winner

'A-Z of Convicts in Van Diemen's Land', author/illustrator Simon Barnard (Text Publishing)

This is a wonderful book that many primary aged readers will love. In the early days of white settlement in Australia 70,000 convicts were transported to Van Diemen’s Land (which we know today as the Australian state of Tasmania). These dislocated and damaged people played a key role in the building of Australia as a nation.

Simon Barnard’s 'A–Z of Convicts in Van Diemen’s Land' is a wonderful account of the lives of men, women and children who were transported to a strange land for varied crimes. The details of their lives are fascinating, including their sentences, punishments and achievements.

Barnard's illustrations are also memorable with intricate details that will have young readers returning again and again to the book.

Honour Books

'Tea and Sugar Christmas', by Jane Jolly, illustrator Robert Ingpen (National Library of Australia)




'Audacity: Stories of Heroic Australians in Wartime', by Carlie Walker, illustrator Brett Hatherly (Department of Veterans' Affairs)