CBCA shortlist showcase night

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Shortlist Showcase Night (once known as the Clayton's Night - as in the awards you're having when you're not having awards...) run by the ACT branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia.

I love this evening - not only is it a great chance to catch up with authors and librarians and industry professionals but it's just so much fun to see which books, in all categories, presenters will 'nominate' for the Book of the Year shortlist. It's fun seeing their selection, to learn about new books, and most of all - to know what influenced each presenter to choose their shortlist.

There was a fantastic line-up of books and I must say, I was majorly impressed with the picture book selection, which included by pick - Feathers for Pheobe. We were also treated to an impromptu sock puppet show by Christian - the older readers presenter - who had us in fits of laughter with his superb synopses of his list... showcased by his hand-made sock creations. Brilliant.

So, just in case you're wondering... here are the nominees, as deigned to be shortlisted by our presenters. I wonder how many of these will turn up in the real nominations list to be announced April 12? Keep an eye on KBR - we'll have all the news for you then!

Early Childhood

Zizzy by Penny Matthews
I Spy Mum by Janeen Brian
All Through the Year by Jane Godwin
Rat in a Stripy Sock by Frances Watts
Adventures with Grandpa by Rosemary Mastnack
The Truth About Penguins by Meg McKinlay

Younger Readers

The Hunt for Ned Kelly by Sophie Masson
The Keepers: Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner
Mimi and the Blue Slave by Catherine Bateson
Just a Dog by Michael Gerard Bauer
Duck for a Day by Meg McKinlay

Picture Books

Last Tree in the City by Peter Carnavas
Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clements
Legend of the Golden Snail by Graeme Base
Mirror by Jeannie Baker
Hunting for Dragons by Bruce Whatley
Love from Grandma by Jane Tanner

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books

A is for ANZAC by Matt Anderson
The Bird King and Other Sketches by Shaun Tan
Poles Apart by Dr Mark Norman
So That's Where I Came From by Gina Dawson
The Return of the Word Spy by Ursula Dubosarsky
Stories from Australia's History by

Older Readers

Roman Holiday by Kathy Buchanan
Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James
Marrying Ameera by Roseanne Hawke
90 Packets of Instant Noodles by Deb Fitzpatrick
The Laws of Magic: Moment of Truth by Michael Pryor
Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey

[footnote: highlighted titles are those we've reviewed on KBR]