Embedded Files
WINNER - BOOK OF THE YEAR: YOUNGER READERS
His Name Was Walter
The handwritten book, with its strangely vivid illustrations, has been hidden in the old house for a long, long time. Tonight, four kids and their teacher will find it. Tonight, at last, the haunting story of Walter and the mysterious, tragic girl called Sparrow will be read - right to the very end ...
From one of Australia's most renowned children's authors, comes an extraordinary story within a story - a mystery, a prophecy, a long-buried secret. And five people who will remember this night for the rest of their lives..
HONOURS
Black Cockatoo
Black Cockatoo is a vignette that follows Mia, a young Aboriginal girl as she explores the fragile connections of family and culture. Mia is a 13-year-old girl from a remote community in the Kimberley. She is saddened by the loss of her brother as he distances himself from the family. She feels powerless to change the things she sees around her... until one day she rescues her totem animal, the dirran black cockatoo, and soon discovers her own inner strength. Black Cockatoo is a wonderful small tale on the power of standing up for yourself, culture and ever-present family ties.
The Peacock Detectives
The last time William Shakespeare and Virginia went missing Cassie found them sitting on a coiled hose behind the fire station, and Dad called 'Cassie Andersen, Peacock Detective'. So this time she knows what to do - she'll look for clues and track them down. But the clues lead her in an unexpected direction and Cassie finds herself investigating a confusing mystery about her family.
The Peacock Detectives is a warm and engaging story for middle-grade readers about dealing with change and finding out who you are.
WINNER - BOOK OF THE YEAR: EARLY CHILDHOOD
Tricky's Bad Day
Poor Tricky! Nothing is going right for him. Milk spills, pyjama buttons won't work, his little sister wrecks their game, and when he tries to help out, everything gets worse. Tricky's having a very bad day! Then Dad has an idea. Outside it's wild, but there's a lot to explore...
HONOURS
Heads and Tails
Heads and Tails by John Canty is an extraordinary children's picture book. Leveraging the natural and universal fascination that children have with animals, the book utilises hints and recognition to build a sense of anticipation on each page, that is resolved on the following page when the identity of the animal is discovered.
Here Comes Stinkbug!
Stinkbug can really stink. But when it starts bugging his friends, Stinkbug wonders if it's time to stop doing what stink bugs do best... A funny bug story, from the much loved, multi-award-winning Tohby Riddle.
WINNER - PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR
Cicada
Cicada tell story. Story good. Story simple. Story even human can understand. Tok Tok Tok!
HONOURS
The Mediterranean
Precarious boats navigate the waters of the sea, from south to north. And more often than not, it is not only hope that drowns. A devastating indictment of our society's treatment of refugees by the creator of The Island.
With eloquent and devastating imagery, the creator of the multi-award-winning book The Island again asks us to examine our responses to the plight of refugees. How long will we remain silent witnesses?
The All New Must Have Orange 430
Harvey owned a heap of stuff, but he could always use more. The Orange 430 was the latest and the greatest. Harvey wasn't sure what it did, but he had to have it!
WINNER - EVE POWNALL AWARD (for factual books)
Sorry Day
Long ago and not so long ago, the children were taken away, their sorrow echoing across the land. But today there is hope. Today is special. The crown hums with excitement. Maggie and her mother wait, and then they hear the words: 'To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters...we say sorry!' Sorry Day acknowledges the past and shows willingness to make things right.
HONOURS
The Happiness Box
In 1942, Sergeant “Griff” Griffin was a prisoner of war. With Christmas approaching, he decided to make a book for the children cooped up in nearby Changi Prison. The book was said to contain the secrets to happiness. But the enemy was suspicious … With this picture book, award winners Mark Greenwood and Andrew McLean bring to life the inspirational true story of a book that became a National Treasure.
Make Believe: M.C. Escher For Kids
Stars, mirrors, eye tricks and the impossible! These are just a few of the things that inspired artist M. C. Escher (Maurits) to create some of the most fascinating images of the twentieth century. In this book, read about the artist’s life, his travels, and his passion for creating optical illusions that play tricks with our minds. Along the way, learn about the anatomy of the eye and test your wits with riddles and quizzes.
WINNER - NEW ILLUSTRATOR
Grandma Z
On an ordinary day, in an even more ordinary town, it was Albert's birthday. When Grandma Z roars into town on her motorcycle, Albert is swept up in a very extraordinary adventure. This glorious debut from Daniel Gray-Barnett is filled with wonder, imagination, and a wild, magical spirit that will thrill young and old.
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