FLORA shortlists for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards 2025 - Eve Pownall category!

Absolutely overjoyed {and shocked and speechless!] to shortlist in this year’s The Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards in the Eve Pownall non-fiction category.

 
FLORA was such a long time coming and was such a passion project for me. It means the world to have the book recognised by my peers - feeling quite overwhelmed.

As ever - a village is involved - thank you, Lauren Smith, Amelia Hartney, Maddie Warburton, Kath Kovac, Tricia Fitzgerald and our glorious First Nations advisors for helping craft this dream book!

Mega congrats to my fellow shortlistees! And thank you, artsACT for the grant that helped make this book possible.

FLORA has shortlisted for Australian Book Industry Awards... absolutely over the moon!

ABDA longlist for FLORA!

Australian Book Designers Awards longlist for Flora—I’m bloomin’ delighted! 

Thank you, ABDA.

notable book - FLORA!

Thrilled to see FLORA: Australia’s Most Curious Plants among CBCA Notable Books for 2025–thank you, CBCA!

Takes a village, so huge thanks to publisher Lauren Smith.books, Madeleine Warburton and Amelia Hartney at the National Library of Australia. And to artsACT (the ACT Government) for the grant that helped craft FLORA.

Congrats to my fellow longlistees for your gorgeous creations and all the hard work you have put in. And commiserations to those who missed out this year. I see you and all your hard work and passion.

ACT Literary Awards win for Wildlife Compendium of the World

Wildlife Compendium of the World (Hardie Grant Explore, 2023) 

Has won for Non-Fiction Children's Book at the ACT Literary Awards, 2024!

Dorrie - Best Biography, Bookstagang Best of 2023

Mega thanks to the #Bookstagang_BestOf2023Aussie team for this gorgeous nod for Dorrie! Just thrilled to see her recognised in this way, and so happy to be alongside these other fab books. 

If you love kids' books, give these book-loving instagrammers are follow... @canyoutellmeastory @get.kids.booked @artsplorers_au @aussie_kids_books @ohcreativeday @lovefourreading @bookieboo.au @flipwithjoy 

 

I Heart the World shortlists in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards 2021

Feeling kind of a whole lot more than a little bit euphoric [insert countless synonyms here!] to be shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards for 2021 for I Heart the World - my heart may even be melting. This is for the Patricia Wrightson prize for children's literature. 

I'm so grateful to the State Library of New South Wales, the esteemed judges and to my amazing team at Hardie Grant Travel. We worked so hard on this book, and for me, this shortlisting is absolutely shared by my publisher Melissa Kayser, production editor Megan Cuthbert, editor Alice Barker and the rest of the team. 

Huge congrats to talents Bren MacDibble, Amelia Mellor, Sean Williams, Mike Barry and Martin Ed Chatterton for also shortlisting for the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature. Honoured to be sharing this space with you! You can read the judges' comments for all titles right here.

 

 

a wee wintry update

Hello, peeps, how are you travelling? Are you keeping snug in our southern states?

If you are in Melbourne, I'm sending love. What a completely crappy time. I'm a Melbourne girl and have a half-tonne of friends and colleagues and family there - it's all so heartbreaking. How I wish I could sweep you all up and deposit you in the Maldives till Christmas.

It's raining here in Canberra, and this is when I'm most happy. It ever confounds me when people say they don't like it.

For me, as a child in perennially inclement Hobart, rain was comfort. It meant mud and earthworms, pink and wriggling on the surface before the inevitable deep dive. It meant a thriving veggie patch and an Irish-green lawn. It meant a bounty of peaches and plums and apricots on our trees.

Inside the house, it was foggy windows to paint on, warm spirals of baking from the kitchen, the cottony scent of mum's iron, thick socks and flannelette PJs - and any excuse to draw, craft, read, play with lego or dolls. Any excuse to snuggle.

Such deep comfort.

uplift among the chaos - a mammoth June 2020 update

Hey ho, everyone. Grab a cuppa. This is long.

Checking in after a long blog hiatus, where the only real option has been to find centre, breathe and invite a deep sense of calm in the chaos.

The world has shaken us to our core of late, non? It seems we're experiencing a bizarre state of grief, shock, confusion, rage and despair. It's raining realisation and revolution; much of it long, long, long overdue, and absolutely, completely a flood of Everything. Our planet and our people are saying Enough.

And seriously, are we STILL dealing with racism and inequality - we have come so far as a species; why do we never learn?? I'm both gut-wrenched and hopeful with the way of the world right now. Have always believed old orders have to be torn down to invite in the new - and hopefully a more insightful, compassionate and equitable way of life.

I hope you're doing okay and are keeping safe, well and centred. Are you finding ways to seek calm and comfort? It's so important. Yes, we need to fight, but we also need to keep one glove up so we don't take a fall and are rendered useless. We are no good in a useless state. That's when the vultures swoop.

I'm hoping this post brings you some comfort and any kind of uplift. It will be kind of random - a little bit of news, some sharing, some happenings, some links and bits and bobs you might find warm. It's cold here in Canberra, of course, so I'm all for a little warmth right now (am sitting on my lovely sheepskin throw as I type!).

Before I get to some updates and news, some inspiration! Let's start with some pretty pictures on Instagram - some new illustrator finds I adore. Click the image to go to each account.

February deadlines and new books and bullet journalling and awards and bears - oh my!

You could have bowled over with a lightly-fragrant glass of bubbles when a friend pointed out Merry Everything on the CBCA Notables table last night at Harry Hartog bookstore. You see, the lovely people at CBCA ACT organised a Notables Announcement event (complete with lightly-fragrant bubbles and other treats) and I went along because I have a severe children's book addiction... totally UNsuspecting any kind of Notable.

Yet--there it is. A Notable! Friend and Merry Illustrator Jess Racklyeft and me... we are humbled and absolutely thrilled (as is our gorgeous publisher, Windy Hollow Books) for our little book with its esteemed sticker. Thank you, CBCA. It will be a very smiley week, this one!

You can see all Notables here--congrats to my many friends and colleagues who have also been stickered. It's such an honour to sit alongside you. The shortlist for 2018 Book of the Year will be announced in one month--on 27 March, and the winners will be revealed as Book Week kicks off on 17 August.

from Mamie, HCP, Dec 2018

Typical of the author life, I've kicked up my heels last night and now back to my desk this morning.

Tomorrow is deadline day for Mamie, my picture book about the life of May Gibbs, and methinks there might be tears upon completion. I still can't believe this is happening. After many, many years wanting to write about May--it's literally a dream come true, and I'm pinching myself black and blue. Lisa Berryman and Eve Tonelli at HarperCollins have been divine to work with, and I can't wait to show you some peeks as we head towards publication date this December. I'm hoping to have a launch in Adelaide late November, so watch my Events page for more on this.

1 April is the release of See Hear, a sequel to Smile Cry--illustrated by the amazing Jess Racklyeft. I ADORE this book trailer Jess put together. Wait till you hear the original music concocted by Jess's husband and kids--it's utterly adorable! It brings tears to my eyes (in a good way!!).

 
Stay tuned for more on See Hear as the pub date approaches. There'll be peeks and peeps and giveaways.

Speaking of giveaways ... tomorrow I'm having my first random print giveaway on Instagram (@taniamccartney). This darling (from Australia Illustrated) is the first ...

... and all you have to do is follow my Insta account and leave a comment. Winners will be chosen at random. Good luck!

And now ... what you've been waiting for ... drum roll please ... recent book purchases!

serving your industry - thank you, Laurie Copping

I'm a big believer in sharing, supporting and giving back. It's an essential thread in human nature, stemming from our need to survive, but evolving into so much more as WE evolve. Benefits include a sense of belonging, safety, community and of course, warmth that begins in the toes and courses upwards to the eyebrows.

Supporting and promoting the children's book industry has always been a no-brainer for me. Supporting publishers and creators, promoting juvenile literacy, speaking to kids, sharing books, being involved in bookish events and initiatives is not only a joy, it's vital to the expansion and presence of our industry. Operating from the concept of lack and scarcity, hiding and squirrelling away information and aid, is counter intuitive to the creative soul. Sharing, supporting and harnessing talent is part of our core--and its sum rewards are incalculable.

Also, it's a lot of fun. It's a hoot meeting new people, learning about their work and helping, in even the smallest of ways, tout it to the world. Our Australian children's book industry (most especially per capita) is one of the strongest in the world. We produce an eye-popping book contribution to the world's bookshelves, and are a close-knit and supportive community--which absolutely forms the backbone of our success.

It's been so rewarding to be a mere fragment of a vertebrae on that backbone. Kids' Book Review, the 52-Week Illustration Challenge, mentoring emerging creators, visiting schools and participating in juvenile literacy programs have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

So, I was humbled and honoured to receive the Laurie Copping Award for Distinguished Service to Children's Literature (CBCA ACT) last night. This means so much to me because it highlights the need to be there for each other and to operate in an inclusive and openhearted way. That is, after all, the core of creativity.

I've heard endless glowing reports and stories about Laurie Copping and what a huge supporter he was of the industry. I feel so honoured to receive this award in this name. If you don't know much about this amazing man, principal of Hall Primary School, CBCA mover and shaker, and champion of children's literature, learn more about him here (PDF).

Shortlisting for Tottie and Dot

 

Our lovely little Tottie and Dot has received a shortlisting in the ACT Writing and Publishing Awards! Thank you, ACT Writers Centre, from Tina Snerling and me! What a lovely early Christmas present.

An Aussie Year wins ACT Writing and Publishing Award for Children's Book

with my beautiful Ella

So happy to share some news--An Aussie Year has won the ACT Writers Centre Writing and Publishing Awards for children's book!

This was a true labour of love, and the first picture book I worked on with my darling friend Tina Snerling. I'm so proud of this book!

Thank you, ACT Writers Centre, and EK Books and Anouska and Tina. I'd like to thank my mum... my family... my friends...

Happy!

x

 

Highly Commended for Picture Book Illustration

I was absolutely thrilled to learn I've received a Highly Commended nod for illustrations for my picture book When I Was Little. This is for the Australian Society of Authors' Emerging Illustrator Mentorships and in fact, I was the only person to receive an award for picture book illustration.

Illustrating my own picture books has been a lifelong dream. It's all quite surreal--and means the world to me because it's confirmation I'm heading in the right direction.

Thank you, ASA!

An Aussie Year Shortlisted for the ACT Writing and Publishing Awards 2014

 

So excited to see An Aussie Year receive this shortlisting nod for the ACT Writers Centre's Writing and Publishing Awards 2014. Winners will be announced at the Christmas party on Tuesday 16 December, so fingers crossed! Good luck to my colleagues Joy and Maree, too!

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!

Riley and the Jumpy Roo award for outstanding picture book

I'm just so thrilled to announce that Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo has been awarded Equal Second Placing for Outstanding Picture Book in the University of Canberra's Get Real Canberra awards today. What a joy it was to see my work alongside the talented students who creating some super-stunning picture book creations.

Also a joy to be shortlisted with talented author (and dear friend) Stephanie Owen Reeder, who also received a special mention for Max the Parliamentary Cat.

the shortlist

Above right - Jane Cassidy. Below left - local gal and new friend Grace Bryant wins for her picture book manuscript. Below right - Nick Klomp, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of Canberra, presents the winners.

Above - with my equal second place recipient, Batool Razaak. Below - CBCA ACT President Leanne Barrett with Outstanding Picture Book winner Xiang Lei.
 

 A happy me. Below, with Leanne Barrett.

Below - with dear friends Tracey Hawkins and Stephanie Owen Reeder, and organiser Jane Cassidy.

Huge thanks to Jane Cassidy for running this amazing competition, and for encouraging some sensational new talent. I really hope to see some of these student winners achieve published status!

cbca Book of the Year announcement!

Looking for something fun to do this Friday 17 August? Come along to the National Library of Australia and be some of the first people to know the winning books in the Children Book Council's Book of the Year!

I will be there signing books - come along and say hi!

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.

Top 100 Australian Women Bloggers

OMG! OMG! OMG!

Still reeling to discover I've made it into Blog Chicks' Top 100 Australian Women Bloggers! Ok, so I've only just scraped in... at no. 95. But what a thrill! Makes it all worthwhile knowing people might actually be enjoying my ramblings.

Who'd have thought it? Just had to share... eeep!

Also thrilled to see Australian Women Online right up there at no. 30, too! Yippee!

:D