Children's Book Week Australia - Awards Announced!

 'Theme - Read Grow Inspire'

 

As usual, the Children’s Book Council Awards in Australia has had a large number of very worthy books submitted. Sadly, only some can be named as winners and honour books. The CBCA also publishes a list of other 'Notable Books'. This year I have reviewed books for all categories.

CBCA Book Week runs from 19-25 August. In 2023 the theme is "Read, grow, inspire".

 

1. Older Readers (Ages 13-18 years)

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. 

Note: Books in this category are for mature readers and some may deal with particularly challenging themes including violence and suicide. Parental guidance is recommended.

And the winner is...?

Neverlanders by Tom Taylor (Penguin Random House Australia)

"A contemporary 'found family' tale embedded within the metatextuality of a Peter Pan narrative with a clever, action-oriented storyline and gloriously rich illustrations. Discerning readers will unpack the hints of the adults' destruction of the world, parental failure, gun violence and domestic violence to add a more serious dimension to the fantasy plot. A stunning book with a potent message wrapped up in a ripping good yarn package."

 

Neverland has become a war zone and it will need a group of lost teenagers to change things. This is a young adult graphic novel series from #1 New York Times bestselling Australian author Tom Taylor and powerhouse Australian comic artist Jon Sommariva! 

 

Scott Snyder of the New York Times says and Eisner award-winning author of "Batman" says it is: 

"Epically imaginative and strikingly fresh."

Similarly, Jay Kristoff the bestselling author of 'Empire of the Vampire' and 'The Nevernight Chronicle' says:

 

"The work of a master at the height of his craft. There is no one out there right now doing it like Tom Taylor. NO ONE."

 

Honour Books

 

'Completely Normal (and Other Lies)', by Biffy James, Hardie Grant Children's Publishing

'The Other Side of Tomorrow' by Hayley Lawrence

 

2. The CBCA 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 (aged 7-12). And the winner is...

'Runt' by Craig Silvey

 

Winner Younger Readers (Ages 7-12 years)

 

'Runt' is a dog with a mind of its own. It will only obey Annie’s commands when nobody else is watching. But Runt has a chance to become the fastest dog in the world. Annie and Runt must beat the odds to save her farm. Runt is a heart-warming and hilarious tale of kindness, friendship, hurdles, hoops, tunnels, see-saws, being yourself and bringing out the best in others.

Annie  lives in a country town with her best friend, an adopted stray dog called Runt. After years evading capture, Runt is remarkably fast and agile, just right for herding runaway sheep. But when a greedy local landowner puts her family’s home at risk, Annie directs Runt’s extraordinary talents towards a different pursuit. They set out to win the Agility Course Grand Championship at the lucrative Krumpets Dog Show in London.

 

The plot and characters are straightforward in 'Runt', but there are deeper issues that only older readers will fully grasp. It is strong, funny and engaging, but it might also evoke a reflection on the meaning and purpose of life. What are the things that really matter? The story touches on the challenges of country life. It is a wonderful story about the human spirit, as well as the love of family love and the need for the support of others.

 

Honour Books 

'Evie and Rhino' by Neridah McMullin & illustrated by Astred Hicks

 

'The Raven's Song' by Zana Fraillon & Bren MacDibble

 

3. The CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood (0-6)

 

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for children who are at prereading or early stages of reading. Ages 0-6 years. And the winner is?

'Where the Lyrebird Lives' written by Vikki Conley and illustrated by Max Hamilton  

"High in the mountains through the sleepy clouds. Deep in the forest past the chiming birds. Will we see the lyrebird? I don’t know. Tip-toe, tip-toe."

The beauty of the Australian rainforest and the magic of family-time come together in this lyrical and delightful story of intergenerational connection, habitat and adventure.

This is a wonderful book that will delight. The illustrations are wonderful and the text well crafted. The reader is drawn into the story, and won't escape!

"Readers are encouraged to slow down, listen and look. Metaphors and similes add richness, and the enlarged text for action words and onomatopoeia increases engagement. A well-crafted narrative that encourages children to read aloud themselves."

 

Honour Books

 

'Bev and Kev' by and illustrated by Katrina Germein & Mandy Foot

4. The CBCA Picture Book of the Year

And the winner is:

My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder

This book celebrates how many immigrant families deny self to help give their children the best chance in life. Immigrant children will recognize this theme in their own lives.

"What shape does love take? And what happens when your parents sacrifice a part of themselves for you? In this heartbreaking and heart-warming story, CBCA award-winner Zeno Sworder reflects on his own migrant parents’ sacrifices to create a universal story about what it means to give to those you love. Drawing from the sacrifices his Chinese mother made to raise her young family in a small country town, Sworder’s drawings are full of beautiful detail and fairytale settings that explore his own journey from child to parent. With humour and pathos."

Children of immigrant families will be touched by this book and hopefully see parallels with the sacrifice of their own families. 

Honour Books

'Completely Normal (and Other Lies)' by Biffy James

 

'The Other Side of Tomorrow' by Hayley Lawrence

 

5. The Eve Pownall 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. The winner is:

 

DEEP: Dive into Hidden Worlds by Jess McGeachin

This imaginatively presented hardback reference book seamlessly brings together a large variety of information about the unseen elements of Earth’s sea and land life, outer space and the human body. The integration of text and illustrations is very cleverly managed, and the layout of the content works both as a dip-in-dip-out resource, as well as a read-through narrative. The front cover is incredibly appealing, and overall, this non-stereotypical information book is of a very high quality that will sustain readers’ interest throughout.

Honour Books

'Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples', by Isaiah Firebrace & illustrated by Jaelyn Biumaiwai

 

6. The CBCA Book of the Year: 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 prereading or early stages of reading. Ages 0-6 years. And the winner is?

 

'Where the Lyrebird Lives' written by Vikki Conley and illustrated by Max Hamilton  

"High in the mountains through the sleepy clouds. Deep in the forest past the chiming birds. Will we see the lyrebird? I don’t know. Tip-toe, tip-toe."

The beauty of the Australian rainforest and the magic of family-time come together in this lyrical and delightful story of inter-generational connection, habitat and adventure.

This is a wonderful book that will delight. The illustrations are superb and the text well-crafted. The reader is drawn into the story. 

"Readers are encouraged to slow down, listen and look. Metaphors and similes add richness, and the enlarged text for action words and onomatopoeia increases engagement. A well-crafted narrative that encourages children to read aloud themselves."

 

Honour Books

'Bev and Kev' by Katrina Germein and illustrated by Mandy Foot

 

'Snap!' written and illustrated by Anna Walker 

7. The Eve Pownall Award (Non-fiction)

'DEEP: Dive into Hidden Worlds' by Jess McGeachin

 

"This imaginatively presented hardback reference book seamlessly brings together a large variety of information about the unseen elements of Earth’s sea and land life, outer space and the human body. The integration of text and illustrations is very cleverly managed, and the layout of the content works both as a dip-in-dip-out resource, as well as a read-through narrative. The front cover is incredibly appealing, and overall, this non-stereotypical information book is of a very high quality that will sustain readers’ interest throughout."

 

Honour Books

 

'Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples'. It is illustrated by Isaiah Firebrace and iIlustrated by Jaelyn Biumaiwai

 

'Wild Australian Life' by Leonard Cronin. Illustrated by Chris Nixon

 

8. The CBCA Awards for New Illustrator

The award for the best New Illustrator was won by Sally Soweol Han for "her complimentary visual storytelling in 'Tiny Wonders'. 

This is an excellent award that recognises an new children's book illustrator. Sally Soweol is a gifted artist, who I am sure will illustrate and write many more wonderful children's books.

Review of Children's Book Council of Australia Awards 2021

 

It's always a joy to review the Australian Children's Book Council Awards each year. This year my review is a little later than usual, but 2021 has been quite a year. In this post I review the winners and honour books for the following categories 'Younger Readers' (7-12 years of age), 'Early Childhood', 'Picture Book of the Year', and the 'Eve Pownall Award' (Factual material children 0-18 years).

1.     1. Younger readers (7-12 years)

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. 7-12 years.

 

WINNER

‘Aster’s Good, Right Things', by Kate Gordon, Riveted Press 

Aster attends a school for gifted kids, but she doesn't think she's special at all. If she was, her mother wouldn't have left. And if she isn’t careful, everyone else will leave her too. Each day Aster must do a good, right thing – a challenge she sets herself, to make someone else’s life better. Nobody can know about her ‘things’, because then they won’t count. And if she doesn’t do them, she knows everything will go wrong. Then she meets Xavier. He wears princess pajamas and has his own kind of special missions to make life better. When they do these missions together, Aster feels free…but if she stops doing her good, right things will everything fall apart?

  

This multi-layered novel for 10-13 year olds addresses the all too common issue of family breakups and its impact on children. As children deal with this friendships can make a difference. Aster isn't the type of child who everyone is drawn towards. She's anxious and lives each day with rituals. Her Dad and an Aunt understand her and her anxiety, insecurity and fears. School is a great struggle, and is made much worse by Indigo, an angry girl who has her own inner struggles that trigger anger, hatred and frustration, which she projects onto the hapless Aster.

 

Aster tries to deal with her challenges by doing a good, and right thing each day. She sets herself these challenges to make someone else’s life better. But she does them secretly, because she figures that if they know about her ‘things’, then they won’t count.  This is a complex novel for younger readers (aged 10-12) which any teacher or parent should read before giving it to a ten year old.

Kate Gordon grew up in a small town by the sea in Tasmania. Previous titles include ‘The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn’ (UQP, in 2020), ‘The Juno Jones, Word Ninja’ series (Yellow Brick Books), Rhiza Edge, ‘Three Things About Daisy Blue’ (Allen & Unwin) and ‘Writing Clementine’ with Allen and Unwin.

HONOUR BOOKS

 

1. ‘The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst’ by Jaclyn Moriarty (illus. by Kelly Canby), Allen & Unwin

Long ago, the little Prince of Cloudburst was stolen from the seashore by a Water Sprite. Now, ten years later, the prince has found his way home. The King and Queen are planning the biggest party in their Kingdom's history to welcome him. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Kingdoms and Empires, Esther Mettlestone-Staranise is looking forward to another year at Katherine Valley Boarding School. But she arrives to find a number of strange and unsettling changes...

Jaclyn Moriarty is the author of a number of excellent novels for children, young adults and adults. These have included the international bestsellers 'Feeling Sorry for Celia' and 'Finding Cassie Crazy', as well as the 'Colours of Madeleine' trilogy. 

 

2. ‘Worse Things’, by Sally Murphy (illus. by Sarah Davis), Walker Books Australia

By Sally Murphy
Illustrated by Sarah Davis

This is a story of connections (and disconnections). 

When you’re part of the team, the sideline is a place of refuge, of rest, of reprieve. 

But when you’re out of the team, the sideline changes.

Suddenly it’s the loneliest place of them all.

Worse Things is a story about connections. How they are made, and what happens when they are lost or just plain illusive. Most children will experience these emotions from a very young age for a variety of reasons. 

After a devastating football injury, Blake struggles to cope with life on the sideline. Jolene, a gifted but conflicted hockey player, wants nothing more than for her dad to come home. And soccer-loving refugee, Amed, wants to belong. On the surface, it seems they have nothing in common. Except sport. A touching and inspirational story about the things that bind us all. As well as being a great author Sally Murphy is a university academic who "teaches teachers how to teach". 

Sally Murphy grew up loving books, babies and beaches, and nothing much has changed. Now she is grown up (though she tries hard not to be), she thinks a perfect day is one which involves reading, writing, walking or swimming at the beach, time with her six (also grown up) children, her grandchildren, and long-suffering husband. When she isn’t doing these things, Sally is a university academic, teaching teachers how to teach.

Sarah Davis is a multiple award-winning illustrator, and associate art director for Walker Books Australia. You'll see her work in many well-known books like the popular 'Violet Mackerell' series from Walker Books. She won the CBCA Crichton Illustration Award for her first picture book, Mending Lucille, in 2009, and since then has gone on to illustrate more than 40 titles, in a range of styles and genres.

2. Book of the Year: 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 pre-reading or early stages of reading. Ages 0-6 years.

 

WINNER

‘No! Never!’ by Libby Hathorn & Lisa Hathorn-Jarman (illus. by Mel Pearce), Hachette Australia. 

This is such an easy book to love! Co-written by the legendary Libby Hathorn and Lisa Hathorn-Jarmon, it is a story that every parent will understand immediately, and I guess, every child (from a different perspective of course)! Every parent will remember how quickly children can stamp their feet and perhaps show the flat palm and shout "No never" or words to that effect. It is bound to get attention, but it's also an opportunity for parents to learn how to deal with it, and for children to learn just when these words are appropriate, and when they might not help one's cause.

 

Honour Books

 

1. ‘Anemone is not the Enemy’ by Anna McGregor, Scribble Kids

Anemone lives alone in the rock pool. The tide comes in and the tide goes out.

Anemone lives alone in the rock pool. The tide comes in and the tide goes out.

All Anemone wants is a friend, but friends are hard to make when you accidentally sting everyone who comes near you.

Perhaps Clownfish has a solution to the problem ...

This delightful picture book might look like another amusing picture book with minimal text, but it is a quirky and funny book that teaches us about the wonder of rock-pool life. Any child who can recall the first time they looked into a rock pool how wondrous it was. And for those children who haven't, they might just pester their parents to take them to the seashore to explore one.

The colourful and digitally produced illustrations and simple text will delight all young readers.

 

 

 

 

2. ‘We Love You, Magoo', by Briony Stewart, Penguin Random House Australia

Magoo is a dog who has his very own ideas about a dog's life. What he can and should do in the kitchen, the car, dinnertime and bedtime! But there are so many annoying rules! Why are there Sooo many things a dog can't do? This is a book especially for Magoo (and those who love dogs like Magoo). 

This is a wonderful read-aloud picture book that will be read many times. Perhaps we'll recognise some of the Magoo in our own dogs?

The author and illustrator Briony Stewart is known internationally as an author and illustrator, including several award-winning books for children. Briony completed a double degree in Fine Art and Creative Writing at Curtin University. After graduating she won a Queensland based writing prize. The story soon became her first published book, Kumiko and the Dragon, which won the Aurealis award for Children’s short fiction in 2008.

In 2012, Briony completed a nine-month creative development fellowship in the UK after being selected by the British Council as one of five young Australian artists excelling in their creative field. Since then, Briony has published numerous successful titles. Most notably, her book Kumiko and the Shadow Catchers won the 2012 Queensland Literary Prize for Children's Fiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Picture Book of the Year

 

WINNER

 

'How to Make a Bird' written by Meg McKinlay & Illustrated by Matt Ottley

When you have Matt Ottley and Meg McKinlay working together you should expect great things to result, and 'How to Make a Bird' does NOT disappoint. What a stunning book! How on earth can you take the idea of a child making a bird, and then turn it into a moving and uplifting tale of beauty and wonder at creatures in our world? First you need a writer who can craft words with minimalism and power, and second you need an artist who can turn words into images that create a work that is greater than the sum of its two parts. That's what we have in this extraordinary work. One of the most stunning picture books that I've seen for quite some time. 

We shadow the protagonist as she contemplates the blue print of an idea, collects the things that inspire from the natural world to shape a bird. And breathes life into it before letting it fly free. It shows how small things, combined with a little imagination and a steady heart, can transform into works of magic.

The story commences “To make a bird you will need a lot of very tiny bones …” But only when you have cast your bird into the air and you have watched it "stretch out just a little and ... tremble as it fills, inside its tiny, racing heart, with the dreams only a bird can dream of open sky and soaring flight" will you know that you have actually created a bird.

Children will return again and again to this wonderful book.

 Suitable for readers 5 to 100 years!

Honour Books

1. 'Not Cute', Philip Bunting, Scholastic Australia

'Not Cute' from author and illustrator, Philip Bunting is a worthy Honour Book in the CBCA awards for 2021. The illustrations are delightful with a Quokka (as you'd expect from the title) is, well, very cute! As much as tries to convince others that he is actually VERY dangerous, Dingo, Redback, and Crocodile are not buying it!

Once there was a quokka.
Quokka was very cute.
But Quokka did not like being cute.
Not one bit …

Not Cute is a simple story about self-acceptance, listening to others, and not succumbing to your own delusions. This is a story about being yourself. The end pages include a quote from fable teller Aesop, “The stubborn listen to nobody’s advice and become a victim of their own delusions”. A great story that will help children to understand that they need to beware of the unintended consequences of their actions. Readers from 2-5 years will love this book.

Philip Bunting's previous books, which he both wrote and illustrated include Mopoke, Koalas Eat Gum Leaves and Kookaburras Love to Laugh. 

2. 'Your Birthday Was the Best!' Written by Maggie Hutchings & illustrated by Felicita Sala

Hutchings and Sala work in perfect union to introduce the reader to the amusing antics of these cockroach anti-heroes. The result is a series of witty situations which encourages the reader to consider that bugs might revel in all things gross such as hairy cheese and toenails. The minimal and powerful text gives room for the illustrations to carry much of the story.

Maggie Hutchings is a counsellor, family-dispute mediator, writer and artist who spends her weekends covered in paint and scribbling lists that are never completed. In this simple story, a feisty young cockroach gate-crashes a birthday party  – with hilarious results. Funny, silly and surprisingly cute, Your Birthday Was the BEST! is the perfect blend of downright gross and delightfully entertaining.

Felicitas Sala is an incredible illustrator and author who is gaining a big reputation internationally. She is the author/illustrator for the best-selling 'Mermaid!' and 'Unicorn!' Felicitas was born in Rome in 1981. She grew up in Perth, where she graduated in Philosophy from the University of Western Australia. She now lives and works in Italy. She has illustrated many picture books for American, Canadian, Italian and French publishers. Her Book 'She Made a Monster' (written by Lynn Fulton) was selected among the 10 best illustrated books of 2018 by the New York Times.

Australia's 2020 Children's Book of the Year Awards

The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has been making annual awards for 75 years. As usual, there have been many wonderful books. In this post I offer a quick review of the Winners and Honour books for younger readers.

1. Picture Book of the Year

Entries in this category should be outstanding books of the Picture Book genre 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 as some of these books may be for mature readers).

Winner 

'I Need a Parrot' written and illustrated by Chris McKimmie

"Have you ever not just wanted something, but wanted it so much that you NEED it? The main character in I NEED a Parrot wants this pet so much that he attempts to persuade the unseen figure that he should get one."

Chris McKimmie has a style of his own. Always quirky he is the master of surprise in his work. His work is always surprising, and some might think a little bizarre at times. But it is always funny and kids get it! As usual this book has a great text well matched to his illustrations. His simple story gets at the problem of keeping and caging pets. As usual, there are few words and he never wastes a single one. The simple style of his illustrations might lead some to thinking, "I think I could do that!" Trust me, you can't! It's good to see Ford Street Publishing sharing the success as well. A small company that supports authors and illustrators by taking risks that sometimes the big publishers won't.

His blank double-page spread with the ‘aha’ moment, is brilliant! 

Chris McKimmie is a writer, artist, designer, musician, lecturer, grandad to seven grandkids and one dog, Teddy, a black Labrador who shares his morning tea biscuits. He has had many solo and group exhibitions of his art, and his previous books have been included in Children’s Book Council of Australia shortlists, long lists, honours lists and notable books lists.

I've been a fan of Chris McKimmie's for many years. You might like to read a post I did on his work in 2014 that includes an interview I conducted with him. HERE

Honour Books

'Nop' written and illustrated by Caroline Magerl

"A heartwarming picture book from award-winning author-illustrator Caroline Magerl about two unlikely loners who forge a forever friendship. Nop is a scruffy kind of bear. He sits on a dusty armchair in Oddmint's Dumporeum surrounded by the beaders, knitters, patchers and stitchers who are much too busy to talk to him. So he watches the litter tumble until, armed with a new bow tie, he has an idea that will change his life forever."

This story began with a memory of Caroline's school holidays in Sydney. Her father was welding a steel yacht in a boat yard and she wandered off . . . only to discover the local dump, a home for the things people throw out! Many years later, her daughter Jen made a teddy bear out of scraps for her father. It's a very sorry-looking, but endearing creature. Named Roadkill, ten years later it still sits on top of his desk. This story began with a memory of Caroline's school holidays in Sydney. Her father was welding a steel yacht in a boat yard and she wandered off . . . only to discover the local dump. A home for the things people throw out! Many years later, her daughter Jen made a teddy bear out of scraps for her father. It's a very sorry looking, but endearing creature. Named Roadkill, ten years later it still sits on top of his desk.

'Three' by Stephen Michael King

This is a very special book! watch a video of Stephen Michael King discussing his work by clicking on the link in the title below. Three is a three-legged dog with determination and a 'free' spirit. He survives due to many others who extend kindness. But his wandering takes him to new surroundings - the country! So many unusual creatures to deal with. And unlike him, they don't have 3 legs. This is a lovely story illustrated in King's typical style with lots of colour and expressive characters. It deserves being listed as an Honor book.

You can view a video of the author discussing his work 'Here'.

2. 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

'The Little Wave' by Harry Pip

When a Manly school sets out to bring a country class to the city for a beach visit, three very different kids find each other and themselves. Noah is fearless in the surf. Being at the beach makes him feel free. So where does his courage go when his best mate pushes him around? Lottie loves collecting facts about bugs, but she wishes her dad would stop filling their lonely house with junk. She doesn’t know what to do about it. Jack wants to be a cricket star, but first he has to get to school and look after his little sister. Especially if he wants to go on the class trip and see the ocean for the first time.

This beautifully written story in verse form revolves around three quite different Primary school aged characters. The story pivots around a school assignment to write to a pen pal. The plots become interwoven. Lottie struggles to deal with her father’s grief that leads to hoarding. Noah is being bullied by his ‘best friend’. While Jack is living in poverty with a Mum who has an addiction. Diverse themes flow through the book, including of grief, poverty and bullying and poverty which are all explored. As with all situations of this kind, usually support comes from somewhere outside the household. A deserving book of the year for 'Younger Readers' (7-12 years).

Pip Harry is the author of young adult novels I’ll Tell You Mine, Head of the River and Because of You, which was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards; the Children’s Book Council of Australia – Book of the Year, Older Readers; and the Queensland Literary Awards. She currently lives and writes in Singapore.

Honour Books

'The Glimme' by Emily Rodda & illustrated by Marc McBride

Fantasy at its finest is found in this gripping read, where the spooky village of Wichaunt and The Glimme, a land of dragons ‘beyond the veil’ are vividly brought to life. Finn and Lori are brave and resourceful and learn to appreciate their family relationships. Teller is the complex, brave hero who nevertheless abandoned his son. The Housekeeper is a magical woman with an amazing secret. The villainous Bravo tricks them all with his subterfuge. Each phase of the quest is written to maximise suspense and excitement. Traditional themes of good versus evil, family relationships and letting your talent shine emerge effortlessly from the story... The extent of the detail and the breathtaking beauty of the illustrations are definite stand outs. 

Emily Rodda has been one of my favourite children's authors for decades (won't mention how many). She continues to write such special stories. Fantasy fans will just love this book. A very worthy Honour book.

'The Secrets of Magnolia Moon' by Edwina Wyatt & illustrated by Katherine Quinn

CBCA award-winning picture book author Edwina Wyatt makes her fiction debut with a whimsical tale of a curious little girl who shares more than just her surname with the moon: They're both excellent secret keepers. Magnolia Moon is nine years old, likes Greek mythology, her best friend Imogen May (who understands the importance of questions like, "If you could be one fruit, any fruit, what would you be?"), wishing trees, and speaking crows. She knows instinctively that buffadillos are armadillos crossed with buffalos and believes there are walramingos living in her garden. She's also the kind of person who can be entrusted with a great many secrets. Each chapter in this novel, which captures Magnolia's year of being nine and ends on Chapter Almost 10, reveals a secret that Magnolia is keeping. But the novel also chronicles a year of change for Magnolia. From her best friend moving to the birth of her little brother Finnegan, Magnolia navigates every challenge and secret that comes her way with the kind of authenticity and innocence that comes from being nine years wise.

 3. Book of the Year: 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 pre-reading or early stages of reading.
Ages 0-7 years.

 Winner

'My Friend Fred' by Frances Watt & illustrated by A. Yi

"My friend Fred eats dog food for breakfast. I think dog food is disgusting. My friend Fred howls at the moon. I don't know why. He does a lot of funny things. But even though we are different, Fred is my best friend."

The judges of the CBA said of the book: "This book is full of energy and movement while exploring themes of friendship, tolerance, and difference. The strong message of positive reinforcement that we can be very different in how we act, what we eat, how we behave, how we look and yet still be best friends, provides a highly satisfying ending. The short, engaging sentences, with some repetition, keep the pages turning. Together, the text and illustrations combine beautifully to present fully rounded characters."

Frances Watt gives credit to Anne Yi as the illustrator. He said of her "...she immediately saw the potential for the illustrations to support the idea of an unknown but present narrator. Whether the reader guesses the identity of the narrator through the pictorial clues or hunts for the clues on subsequent readings, the illustrations reward close observation."

 

Honour Books

'When Billy Was a Dog' by Kirsty Murray & illustrated by Karen Blair

'Can I please, please, please have a dog?' asked Billy.
'Would you walk it every day and wash it if it got dirty?'
'I would, I promise!' said Billy.
Billy wants a dog. He really really really wants one.
Billy's parents aren't so sure. So one morning, Billy takes matters into his own paws.

 

 

This is a very worthy Honour Book. The judges said of the work: "...The author and illustrator have worked closely to produce familiar scenes (the dilemma of owning a pet) and make the characters appealing and believable. The illustrator has mixed charcoal, watercolour and gouache to depict Billy, his family and where they live. Facial expressions and body language portray the characters’ range of emotions and feelings. The bright, appealing front cover image immediately attracts and engages young readers... The heart-warming ending provides a solid, satisfying resolution to a highly age appropriate story."

'Goodbye House, Hello House' by Margaret Wild & illustrated by Anne James

This is the last time I'll fish in this river. This is the last time I'll run through these trees. This is the last time I'll dream by this fire Goodbye, old house. Goodbye. A heartwarming story of letting go and starting anew, of moving from the country to the city, with a unique illustration style that allows room and space for the reader's imagination. Hello, new house. Hello!

Margaret Wild has given us so many wonderful books over many years, this one will not disappoint. Anne James is also a wonderful illustrator and contributes much to the success of the book. A very worthy Honour book.

4. Eve Pownall 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

'Young Dark Emu: A Truer History' by Bruce Pascoe

Bruce Pascoe has collected a swathe of literary awards for 'Dark Emu' and now he has brought together the research and compelling first person accounts in a book for younger readers. Using the accounts of early European explorers, colonists and farmers, Bruce Pascoe compellingly argues for a reconsideration of the hunter-gatherer label for pre-colonial Aboriginal Australians. He allows the reader to see Australia as it was before Europeans arrived – a land of cultivated farming areas, productive fisheries, permanent homes, and an understanding of the environment and its natural resources that supported thriving villages across the continent. Young Dark Emu - A Truer History asks young readers to consider a different version of Australia's history pre-European colonisation.

 

When making the award to Bruce Pascoe the judges rightly pointed to the wonderful "Visual and textual information is produced on a traditional palette of ochre yellow, red and oranges and charcoal black. Full-page illustrations magnify and enhance detail in the historical photographs, documents, engravings, diary entries and sketches."

In doing so the author seeks to debunk... "terra nullius that positions Aboriginal people as nomadic hunter gatherers through an engaging discussion accessible to primary school and young adult readers." Instead we continue to learn how sophisticated Indigenous culture was (and is) across a period of at least 60,000 years.

Honour Books

'The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals' by Sami Bayly

Marvel as you enter the fascinating hidden world of ugly animals in this encyclopaedia of the animal kingdom's most unusual and beauty-challenged species. It's time for ugly animals to shine! With more than sixty ugly animals to explore, this compendium of the unusual celebrates the beauty in 'ugliness'. Children and adults alike will pore over the breathtaking scientific illustrations of unusual animals, debating their relative ugliness and merits, learning about science and nature along the way. Featuring illustrations and facts about the thorniest species the animal kingdom has to offer, from the naked mole rat to the goblin shark, aye-aye, sphinx cat, blobfish and many more 'ugly' beauties. This gorgeous hardcover book is illustrated in exquisite detail by exciting new Australian talent, Sami Bayly.

'Wilam: A Birrarung Story' by Aunty Joy Murphy & Andrew Kelly, illustrated by Lisa Kennedy

This is another stunning Indigenous picture book, from Black Dog books. Talented Indigenous artist Lisa Kennedy, respected Elder Aunty Joy Murphy and Yarra River keeper Andrew Kelly combine to create a special book. It tells the Indigenous and geographical story of Melbourne’s beautiful Yarra river, from its source to its mouth, and from its pre-history to the present day.

Lisa Kennedy is a descendant of the Trawlwoolway People on the north-east coast of Tasmania. She was born in Melbourne and as a child lived close to the Maribyrnong River. Here she experienced the gradual restoration of the natural river environment alongside cultural regeneration and reclamation. The experience of loss and reclamation is embedded in her work. The illustrations are richly coloured with a bright palette of green, red, blue, yellow and brown. Many of the plates would be stunning works of art on their own. But in combination with the text from Aunty Joy and Andrew Kelly, we have a special book to share with children aged 3-8 years of age. It is a very worthy Honour book.