CBCA SHORTLIST
Congratulations to our incredible authors for making it to the CBCA shortlists!
PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR
by Kate and Jol Temple
This quirky story oozes originality. It embraces popular culture, such as social media and popularity contests and cleverly explores themes of identity and accepting difference through the main character, Roy, a bird with human-like arms. The use of language is sophisticated and engaging, featuring direct speech of the avian characters alongside more traditional narration. The high-quality, colourful and engaging illustrations represent characters effectively and provide a clever sub-text to the narrative, including gentle humour appropriate for a dual audience. There is pleasing symmetry between the text and visual elements that embodies the mood and enhances the narrative. The plot that follows Roy coming to terms with his difference, as well as others’ eventual acceptance of him includes a joy-filled resolution
By Aura Parker
This lyrical story follows the journey of a bowerbird on his quest for all things blue, all the while feeling that something is amiss in his life. The bowerbird’s collection dominated by plastic caps, straws and tags invites reflection on environmental pollution and its challenges. The story’s language is ornate, expressive and rhythmically appealing. Striking illustrations masterfully integrate with the text, significantly enhancing the narrative. The layout and design, including ‘Can you find these?’ sections at the front and back, engage readers and maintain interest throughout. The endpapers are marvellous, introducing the bowerbird in an urban setting before he discovers what’s missing in his life and closing with the bird reclaiming its harmonic existence in a lush forest with a soulmate by its side, illustrating how his life was meant to be.
BOOK OF THE YEAR: EARLY CHILDHOOD
By Jane Godwin and Terry Denton
Children will initially find the series of posed questions in this imaginative book, both preposterous and comical, a great device to engage them in reflections and discussions about self-acceptance, diversity and understanding others. Quirky, loose ink and watercolour illustrations, abounding in small humorous details, enhance the succinct narrative inviting children to follow the unfolding visual stories and create their own. The pace builds with the increasing silliness in the first half, which is followed by a more considered, thoughtful second half, cleverly incorporating fascinating facts about remarkable attributes of various animals (and human babies). Powerful yet with a light touch that feels fresh and unique, this interactive picture book will sit well in homes, libraries and educational settings.
BOOK OF THE YEAR: YOUNGER READERS
By Tristan Bancks
This book tells a classic story in a thrilling and accessible way for readers aged 10-14. It commands the reader’s attention from its enthralling beginning, throughout an actionpacked plot development and a dramatic conclusion. The setting of the drowned town is evocatively described, creating a foreboding mood that enhances the plot of the novel. The young protagonists are well-developed and have authentic responses to events, while the flaws of the adult characters are realistic, allowing readers to explore and extend their thinking about difficult relationships and situations. The mystery and thriller conventions are expertly balanced with Will’s character development as he navigates loss, criminal activity, corruption, and loyalty to family and friends.