21st Century
Learning Space
Library News
CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (CBCA)
The CBCA Books of the Year are regarded as Australia’s most prestigious children’s literature awards. The six shortlisted books for each section of the awards were announced earlier in the year. There are five sections to the awards that are suitable for primary school children. They are: The Younger Readers section, The Early Childhood section, The Picture Book of the Year, The Eve Pownall Award for Information Books and the New Illustrator Award (formerly the Crichton Award). I look forward to Book Week every year when the gold and two silver award winners will be announced. There is always a lot of discussion in the children’s book world regarding these awards and this year’s theme is a good one, where everyone can get “wild about reading!”
Lets take a look at the six nominations for the Picture Book of the Year . . .
Dirt by Sea by Michael Wagner and Tom Jellett
We are going on a road trip with Daisy and her Dad who live in outback Australia. Daisy has never seen the ocean and thinks our National Anthem says ‘dirt by sea’ not ‘girt by sea!’ This wonderful picture book done in comic book style is a real adventure and has a feeling of nostalgia and good old aussie spirit. I really enjoyed it.
Farmhouseby Sophie Blackall
The Author Sophie Blackall has written her Author’s note at the end of this book, she says “I have always loved old things. Especially old, worn, mended things that show traces of hands and hearts and minds long gone, things that tell stories.” Sophie had bought an old Farmhouse were twelve children were raised and she uses her imagination to write this book. It is exceptional and written in such a way as to draw you into the past and really see how those children may have grown up. The first time I read this book I went back to the start and read it again! This is one of my favourites and well worth a read.
Frank’s Red Hatby Sean E. Avery
The first two lines of this book say “There once was a penguin called Frank and he was known for doing things differently. Frank was full of ideas.” Frank's ideas are not always good but he perseveres. He stands out from the crowd and although the other penguins are not taking any chances, Frank discovers that not everyone disapproves. This book is sprinkled with a little humour and has a lovely message – follow your own path!
My Strange Shrinking Parentsby Zeno Sworder
A truly universal story acknowledging the fact that many immigrants and parents sacrifice a part of themselves to better their children’s lives. This powerfully insightful book is full of love and has a very hopeful message “though our lives may be humble, we are giants within.” Zeno Sworder has given us an insight into his life and his upbringing. He has dedicated the book to his ‘Ma.’ Highly recommended.
Our Dreaming by Kirlie Saunders and Dub Leffler
The blurb on this book by Award winning First Nations storytellers Kirli Saunders and Dub Leffler says they “explore a deep love and respect for Country and all her spirits… past, present and beyond.” I like the illustrations where the Australian animals are taking us on a journey to help explain ‘Our Dreaming.’ It’s a beautifully presented book. To read is to learn.
Paradise Sands: A Story of Enchantmentby Levi Pinfold
On first sight, I was drawn to the cover of this book - a majestic stone lion and a girl in a blue dress holding a bunch of flowers. The story of siblings on a journey who are drawn to the Paradise Sands Hotel and become trapped inside. The young girl will rescue her brothers no matter what the personal cost. The illustrations have a bleak feel to them and there are only small glimpses of colour which make the story all the more captivating. This book is different, thought provoking and slightly mystical. A very interesting book.
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.
Enjoy reading some award-winning books!
Jackie Hicks
21st Century Learning Space Manager