We are thrilled and delighted to announce that many JdM creators have been recognised in the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), 2024 Notables!

According to the website: A longlist of quality Australian children’s literature published throughout 2023; the CBCA received 656 entries for their 15 expert Judges to assess. The longlist showcases the outstanding work of 118 books, representing 43 publishers, 122 writers, and 72 illustrators. It is a healthy indicator of growth for the industry that the list includes 27 new creators.

The following JdM creators have been recognised in the Notables longlist, and we wish them heartiest congratulations and the best of luck!

BOOK OF THE YEAR: OLDER READERS
— Borderland by Graham Akhurst (UWA Publishing)
— Grace Notes by Karen Comer (Lothian Children’s Books, an imprint of Hachette Australia)

BOOK OF THE YEAR: YOUNGER READERS
— Scout and the Rescue Dogs by Dianne Wolfer, ill. Tony Flowers (Walker Books Australia)
— Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer (A & U Children, an imprint of Allen & Unwin)

BOOK OF THE YEAR: EARLY CHILDHOOD
— Gymnastica Fantastica! by Briony Stewart (Lothian Children’s Books, an imprint of Hachette Australia)
— Shadow Catchers by Kirsty Murray, ill. Karen Blair (A & U Children an imprint of Allen & Unwin)
— These Little Feet by Hayley Rawsthorne, ill. Briony Stewart (Albert Street Books, an imprint of Allen & Unwin)
— When I’m Big by Karen Blair (Puffin AU, an imprint of Penguin Random House Australia)

PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR
— The Garden at the End of the World by Briony Stewart, text. Cassy Polimeni (University of Queensland Press)

EVE POWNALL AWARD
— Australia: Country of Colour by Jess Racklyeft (Affirm Press)
— The Forgotten Song: Saving the Regent Honeyeater by Coral Vass, ill. Jess Racklyeft (CSIRO Publishing)

The key dates for 2024 are as follows;
Shortlist: Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 12.00 PM (noon) AEDT
Winners and Honours: Friday, 16 August 2024, 12.00 PM (noon) AEST