21st Century 

Learning Space

Library News

CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (CBCA)

Book Week - my favourite week of the year is nearly here! The theme for Book Week this year is Read, Grow, Inspire and the dates are 21st to 25th August, 2023. I’m looking forward to the celebrations and discovering who has won our Children’s Books of the Year.

In previous newsletters we have had a look at the nominations for the Picture Book of the Year, the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books and the Early Childhood Section for this year’s Children’s Book Awards. The awards are Australia’s most prestigious children’s literature awards. Here are the nominations for the final two sections of the awards: the Younger Readers Section and the Award for a New Illustrator.

Lets take a look at the six nominations for Book of the Year: Younger Readers Section

August & Jones by Pip Harry

This is a beautiful story about friendship through adversity. Jones has moved to the city and is starting a new school where she meets August who loves fun facts, the library and rock climbing. When life takes an awful turn they decide to tackle a “must-see bucket list.” Life is precious and they want to make the most of their time together. In a word “heartwarming.”

Evie and Rhino by Neridah McMullin

Following a violent storm a ship containing exotic animals is shipwrecked on the Australian coast and some wild animals make it to land. Evie discovers Rhino and when he is facing a life of captivity she does everything possible to care and protect him. 

The Raven’s Song by Zana Fraillon and Bren MacDibble

This futuristic novel tackles conservation, pandemics and climate change and is sure to engage the reader at every turn of the page. The Government have set up 700 hectare blocks with 350 people in each and everyone must follow the rules. Readers will enjoy the journey with the mystical Raven guiding the way. As the topics closely relate to our recent experiences this book is thought provoking.

Runt by Craig Silvey

Runt might have been the smallest dog in the litter but he can still achieve big things. Annie and her family have adopted a stray dog and Annie wants to save her family farm by beating the odds against the fastest dogs in the world. There’s only one problem Runt does not like crowds and will only follow Annie’s directions when they are alone. Will their incredible bond save the farm? 

The Way of Dog by Zana Fraillon

This is the second book written by Zana Fraillon nominated for this award which is an outstanding achievement. It’s very difficult to get one nomination! I enjoyed reading them both. With themes of puppy farms, abuse, tragedy, disability and loss I would recommend this for older students. 

Xavier in the Meantime by Kate Gordon

Kate Gordon wrote another award winning book titled Asters, Good Right Things. This book is the companion title to that book. Although the book touches on mental health and family adversity the reader is left with a feeling of hope in the end. That even facing decades of tradition, and personal difficulties, changes can be made and families can sort out their problems. 

And the six nominations for the Award for a New Illustrator are:

This award is unique. It is presented to the best new illustrator of 2022. When choosing picture books it is important to look at the style of illustration used, the colours, the fluidity, the page layout etc. It is also important to see whether the illustrator has enhanced the authors words or whether the illustrations have added value to the story.  This year’s nominations have definitely done that.

Australia From Dawn To Dusk – illustrator Brentos

Bentos has vibrant eye catching illustrations using muted pastel colours. He uses fluid, continuous rounded lines which illustrate the scene and the animals beautifully.

The Best Hiding Place – illustrator Sylvia Morris

The illustrations capture the feelings of the children playing hide-and-seek. I particularly liked the changes in the artwork when Archie is feeling claustrophobic the darkness envelopes him so much that he jumps out of his hiding spot to see what is happening. 

Naturopolis – illustrator Ingrid Bartkowiak

In this book we are looking at the human world versus the natural world.  We are drawn into the ants journey as we get closer and closer to discovering what is actually there. From the greys and browns of the steel, stone and bricks of the city to the various greens of nature. The illustrator has carefully taken us on a journey of discovery.

Tiny Wonders – illustrator Sally Soweol Han

I really enjoyed this book once again taking us from the dark grey town to the bright colourful flowers in the spring garden “where happiness bloomed” and “bit by bit the seeds grew…” The story finishes with a burst of lovely colours and activity. 

There’s No Such Book – illustrator Jake A Minton

This is a book about a small child who wants to find something to wear for Book Week dress up day. I love a book that makes me smile because I’ve been through the same things! The colours used are bright and fun, the illustrations full of imagination and creativity. Overall its about using your imagination. A book of joy! 

We Are Australians – illustrator Jandamarra Cadd

This is a stunningly illustrated picture book that stands out from the crowd. Excellent use of colour with captivating illustrations that definitely enhance the written words. 

The Australian shortlisted books make great reading. They are all waiting to be explored, discussed, shared with others and read. If you ever see a book with the CBCA book award logo take another look at it as they can be some of the best books published in Australia especially for Australian children.

 WALKER BOOKS         

I recently entered a competition run by Walker Books and was lucky to win two novels for our school library. They are Anna Branford’s How To Be A Friend and How to Be the New Person. I am looking forward to reading them and adding them to our school library collection. 

The Walker Books logo is a bear with the phrase “for the best children’s books look for the bear.” Their website states that “Walker Books Australia is an award-winning publishing house based in Sydney. For over twenty-five years, Walker Books has published outstanding children’s books for readers of all ages, including books by award-winning authors and illustrators such as Meg McKinlay, Bob Graham, Jeannie Baker, and the widely acclaimed Nature Storybooks, My Dad Thinks He’s Funny and Little Wombat series; as well as many other children’s favourites.”

The Walker Book website can be found at https://www.walkerbooks.com.au where you will find information on Australian authors and illustrators, books, new releases, events, and activities. Thank you Walker Books.

THANK YOU

Thanks also to the Kanavas, Hjorth and Coniglione families for your recent book donations. Our students are going to enjoy them very much. We received copies of Harry Potter, Tashi, Frankie Fish, Thea Stilton, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Bad Guys, The Warriors series, Goosebumps, Seriously Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee plus many others. I’m sure they won’t last too long on the ‘new books’ stands! Thank you very much.

Read, Grow, Inspire - Jackie Hicks

21st Century Learning Space Manager