Jacinta di Mase Management is thrilled to learn that two of our creators have made the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards shortlists, and one debut author is recognised in two categories!
The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards are the richest and longest running state-based literary awards in Australia and cover all genres of writing.
Jess Racklyeft’s Australia: Country of Colour (Affirm Press) has been recognised in the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature. Judge’s said of Racklyeft’s beautiful picture-book; ‘The ambitious, unexpected mashup of nature, artistry and education creates a delightful treasure trove for children to pore over, re-read, explore and discuss. A creative colour catalogue, filled with personal reflections, interesting facts and striking artwork, this book is a glorious celebration of nature’s perfect palettes. The double-spread illustrations that introduce each colour also tell their own narrative, inviting the reader to marvel at some splendid locations from the Great Barrier Reef to Bruny Island.’
Karen Comer’s debut young adult verse novel Grace Notes (Lothian Children’s Books) has been recognised in both the Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature as well as the UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing!
Combined judge’s notes from both the Ethel Turner and UTS Glenda Adams Award said of the verse novel; ‘Karen Comer takes us vividly and viscerally, into the time of Melbourne’s first Covid lockdowns. But this novel for young adults is much more than a story about the unbearable tension of that first year of the pandemic. Grace Notes takes its pulse from the burning hearts of its two young protagonists — full of possibility and yearning to be seen by those who understand their creative drive — and in a spray of verse that perfectly suits the story, it draws music from their lives.’
HUGE congratulations to both JdM creatives Jess and Karen, we are so proud and wish you the best of luck!
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the State Library of NSW at the start of the Sydney Writers’ Festival on Monday 20 May 2024.
