CBCA Book of the Year 2014 - The Winners!

the shortlistees (+ publishers) for the Early Childhood category

Biggest congrats to my talented friends and colleagues--shortlistees and winners of this year's Book of the Year Awards! I was at the National Library of Australia earlier today for the announcement event--featuring a Who's Who of book creators, publishers and aficionados.

The CBCA ACT branch hosted this year's awards in the theatre at the fabulous National Library. Local 666 ABC host Louise Maher emceed, and many of the shortlisted authors and illustrators were present.

Chosen from a pool of almost 500 entries, the shortlisted books truly reflect the vibrancy and talent of Australian writers and illustrators and the strength of the Australian book industry. As Margaret Hamilton, AM, mentioned - children's books are keeping our bookshops afloat, with around 30 per cent of sales falling into the juvenile category. Such a wonderful thing to hear.

And now, without further ado, here are 2014's winners and Honour books!

BOOK OF THE YEAR: Older Readers
Winner: Wildlife by Fiona Wood (Pan Macmillan Australia)
Honour Books: Fairytales for Wilde Girls by Allyse Near (Random House Australia)
The Sky So Heavy by Claire Zorn (UQP)

BOOK OF THE YEAR: Younger Readers
Winner: City of Orphans: A Very Unusual Pursuit by Catherine Jinks (Allen & Unwin)
Honour Books: My Life as an Alphabet by Barry Jonsberg (Allen & Unwin)
Light Horse Boy by Dianne Wolfer, Ill Brian Simmonds (Fremantle Press)

BOOK OF THE YEAR: Early Childhood Winner: The Swap by Jan Omerod, Ill Andrew Joyner (Little Hare, Hardie Grant Egmont)
Honour Books: I’m A Dirty Dinosaur by Brian Janeen Ill Ann James (Puffin Books, Penguin Group Australia)
Banjo and Ruby Red by Libby Gleeson Ill Freya Blackwood (Little Hare, Hardie Grand Egmont)

a video acceptance speech from Shaun Tan

PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR
Winner: Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan (Hachette Australia)
Honour Books: King Pig by Nick Bland (Scholastic Press, Scholastic Australia
Silver Buttons by Bob Graham (Walker Books)

EVE POWNALL AWARD FOR INFORMATION BOOKS Winner: Jeremy by Christopher Faille Ill Danny Snell (Working Title Press)
Honour Books: Welcome to My Country by Lallak Burarrwanga and Family (Allen & Unwin)
Ice, Wind, Rock by Peter Gouldthorpe (Hachette Australia)

The CBCA independent awards are the most respected awards in Australia and have the biggest effect on the success of Australian children’s books. Angela Briant, Chair of the CBCA National Board reiterates, 'For nearly 70 years, the CBCA has proudly celebrated and promoted excellence in literary artistry, illustration and quality publishing—and this year’s books are no exception. We congratulate all those involved in creating this wonderful feast for our young people’s imaginations.'

The CBCA is comprised of individuals who are dedicated to celebrating Australian literary talent and communicating the joys of a great story. These teachers, librarians, authors, illustrators, kids, parents, grandparents and publishing professionals— recognise the value of these Awards as providing a valuable guide for selecting stories that have all the right ingredients for leading kids towards a rewarding reading experience.

For more, visit cbca.org.au/awards.htm.

Following the Awards announcement Children’s Book Week kicks off with activities in libraries, schools and communities across the country.

This year’s theme ‘Connect to reading’ is encouraging everyone to take the time in our busy lives to really engage in getting this ‘connection’ hard-wired. Reading - whether through a book, or digital and social media – can take our children’s minds to imaginary worlds and also help them to connect to each other. By doing this, we create the critical literacy skills necessary to living in these times.

Happy reading!