Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Books 2018

1 Mar, 2018 | What's happening in my writing life

On Tuesday night the Children’s Book Council of Australia announced the 2018 Notable Books, the long list if you like, of what the CBCA have highlighted as the most notable children’s books published in 2017 in Australia.

From this list (173 books over 5 categories) shortlists totaling only 30 books will be announced on 27 March with the Winners and Honour books announced on 17th August, the beginning of Children’s Book Week in Australia. Categories are Older Readers (25), Younger Readers (37), Early Childhood (45), Picture Books (48) and Eve Pownall Information Books (18).

Along with illustrator Owen Swan and publisher Allen and Unwin, I was thrilled to see that ‘My Friend Tertius’, a book which is especially close to my heart, was included on the list of books for the Picture Book of the Year category.

We share that list with a wonderful group of talented creators, some colleagues and some friends and I am honoured to be part of that list. The picture book category is the largest, listing 48 picture books – surely it is time and cause to celebrate the strength of the children’s picture book market in Australia. The message is clear – books are alive and well in Australia and children and parents are enjoying the experience of sharing a book together, wherever and whenever they can.

So let’s celebrate this year’s list of CBCA Notable Books and their creators, for all ages.

For a complete list go to https://cbca.org.au/notables-2018

‘One question kept echoing in my mind – if I had to leave, what would I do with Tertius?’

This is the true story of two lives brought together by chance. Arthur Cooper, working in intelligence for the British Government in pre-war Hong Kong, rescues a small gibbon and names him Tertius. Together they escape to a safe place – but is it for always?