Katherine Collette’s debut children’s novel – Out of Bounds: The Too-Tall Tales of Alma T. Best, #1 (HarperCollins), has been shortlisted in the Humour Writing for Young People Award, by the State Library of New South Wales!

The Russell Prize for Humour Writing was established at the bequest of Peter Wentworth Russell to celebrate, recognise and encourage humorous writing, and to promote public interest in this genre. It was the first award to recognise the art of humour writing in Australia.

The Russell Prize for Humour Writing is awarded biennially for the work which is judged to be the best book of humour writing by an Australian author and published in the previous two years. The winner receives $10,000.

The Humour Writing for Young People Award is offered for a work promoting humour and championing laughter. The Award is aimed at primary school level readers (5-12 years) and recognises the role of humour in encouraging children to read. The winner receives $5,000.

The Russell Prize for Humour Writing was established through a generous donation to the State Library of NSW Foundation by the late Peter Wentworth Russell, a farmer and businessman remembered for his appreciation of humour.

The winners will be announced in May.

Congratulations to all the shortlisted, and Katherine especially!