Children's Book Week 1999
The theme for Children's Book Week 1999 was "Weave the Book Web".
The shortlist of finalists in the Children's Book Council of Australia awards was released on 12th April, 1999. The winners were announced on Friday 20th August.
You may also like to visit the official Children's Book Council Web site to view information about their activities in children's literature, including conferences, author information and news of other literary awards managed by the Council.
Award Winners by Category
Picture Book of the Year | |
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Book of the Year: Younger Readers | |
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Book of the Year: Older Readers | |
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Eve Pownall Award for Information Books | |
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1999 SHORTLISTED FINALISTS IN THE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Click on the award heading to be taken straight to the relevant Scan reviews.
Picture Book of the Year
(Some of these books may be for mature readers; note that CBCA listing is arranged in alphabetical order by name of the illustrator)
ALLEN, Pamela (1998) Mr McGee and the biting flea, Viking, SCIS 941342, reviewed Scan 18(1)
KING, Stephen Michael (1998) Henry and Amy: right-way- round and upside down, Scholastic, SCIS 945334, reviewed Scan 18(1)
WHEATLEY, Nadia & MCLEAN, Andrew (1998) Highway, Omnibus, SCIS 921941, reviewed Scan 17(3)
THOMPSON, Colin & PIGNATARO, Anna (1998) The staircase cat, Hodder Children's, SCIS 942240, reviewed Scan 18(1)
MARSDEN, John & TAN, Shaun (1998) The rabbits, Lothian, SCIS 948298, reviewed Scan 18(2)
NORMAN, Lilith & YOUNG, Noela (1998) Grandpa, Margaret Hamilton, SCIS 948285, reviewed Scan 18(1)
Book of the Year: Younger Readers
FRENCH, Jackie (1998) Daughter of the regiment, Angus & Robertson, SCIS 933551, reviewed Scan 18(1)
McDONALD, Meme & PRYOR, Boori (1998) My girragundji, Allen & Unwin, SCIS 950484, reviewed Scan 18(3)
MOLONEY, James (1998) Buzzard breath & brains, University of Queensland Press, SCIS 941523. reviewed Scan 18(3)
RODDA, Emily (1998) Bob the builder & the elves, ABC Books, SCIS 952314, reviewed Scan 18(2)
SPAULDING, Norma (1998) The little blue parcel, Scholastic, SCIS 928601, reviewed Scan 18(3)
Book of the Year: Older Readers
(These books are for mature readers)
CLARKE, Judith (1998) Night train, Penguin, SCIS 931582, reviewed Scan 17(3)
DISHER, Garry (1998) The divine wind, Hodder Children's, SCIS 945293, reviewed Scan 18(3)
GWYNNE, Phillip (1998) Deadly unna?, Penguin, SCIS 935400, reviewed Scan 18(3)
HARNETT, Sonya (1998) All my dangerous friends, Viking, SCIS 948297, reviewed Scan 18(1)
HERRICK, Steven (1998) A place like this, University of Queensland Press, SCIS 928965, reviewed Scan 17(4)
WALKER, Sarah (1998) Camphor laurel, Pan Macmillan, SCIS 930598, reviewed Scan 17(3)
Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
(Some of these books are for mature readers)
EDWARDS, Yvonne & DAY, Brenda (1997) Going for kalta: hunting for sleepy lizards at Yalata, Jukurrpa/IAD, SCIS 939531, reviewed Scan 18(3)
NICHOLSON, John (1998) Who's running this country?: government in Australia, Allen & Unwin, SCIS 950607, reviewed Scan 18(2)
PRYOR, Boori & McDONALD, Meme (1998) Maybe tomorrow, Penguin, SCIS 928744, reviewed Scan 18(3)
THOMPSON, Liz (1998) The Ngaanyatjarra of the Gibson Desert, Heinemann Library, SCIS 935134, reviewed Scan 18(3)
TUCKER Alan (1998) Side by side, Omnibus, SCIS 925785, reviewed Scan 18(3)
Reviews
Picture Book of the Year
ALLEN, Pamela
Mr McGee and the biting flea.
Viking, 1998
ISBN 0670880353
Even the title of this picture book contains the lilting poetic rhythm that is consistent throughout. In this, the fourth book of Mr McGee's adventures, Mr McGee is enjoying himself down by the seaside when a dog joins in and, suddenly, a flea bites Mr McGee. In a desperate effort to relieve the ensuing itch, he begins to strip off his clothes, eventually jumping into the sea. Pamela Allen's brilliant, musical, rhyming text, accompanied by her hilarious illustrations (right down to depictions of a naked Mr McGee which leave nothing to the imagination), make this a definite winner for all those students and teachers who love a good giggle. J. Eade
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2
$19.95
KING, Stephen Michael
Henry and Amy: right-way- round and upside down.
Scholastic, 1998
ISBN 1863889973
Friendship, contrast, personalities, creativity, perfection, and humour; all these and more abound in this delightful picture book for all ages. Large colour illustrations, and simple, uncluttered text are the ingredients which make this a great shared book for school or home. Children will be unable to resist commenting on the characters and situations. The treehouse scene could be the stimulus for many a design project! On another level, this simple story explains how personalities are unique and special; friendship is all about accepting differences and admiring qualities in each other. Henry and Amy give children encouragement and permission to be individuals. S. Rasaiah
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2
$22.95
WHEATLEY, Nadia & MCLEAN, Andrew
Highway.
Omnibus, 1998
ISBN 1862913056
The highway is central in this beautiful and meticulously crafted picture book. Close collaboration between author and illustrator has produced a work where text and illustration interact most effectively. This is a celebration of a working family, truck drivers able to turn a routine trip into a small adventure for their young children. Unsentimental in tone, it is an affirmation of the simplicity of working well, of a joyous, honest response to life, and of the positive family values demonstrated. There is much to notice and enjoy for the young narrator on her holiday. Much too, for the perceptive reader. J. Buckley
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
$19.95
THOMPSON, Colin & PIGNATARO, Anna
The staircase cat.
Hodder Children's, 1998
ISBN 0733605826
Loneliness, emptiness, sparseness: remnants of war are the haunting themes of this picture book. After a contented life, filled with the everyday bustle of the residents in the block of flats where he was born, Oskar the cat suddenly finds himself alone in the building, with only the ghosts from the past as company. Food is scarce, the bombs and soldiers have gone, but Oskar stays on. Through the masterful use of colour in the illustrations, the artist takes the reader from melancholy to hope, helping to create the moods that the author's words convey. Watercolours and text work beautifully together, producing a special story with a joyful ending. J. Quirk
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
$24.95
MARSDEN, John & TAN, Shaun
Therabbits.
Lothian, 1998
ISBN 0850918782
Rabbits: they invaded, they spread, they multiplied, they changed the land forever. This clever allegory is employed to confront and challenge readers to think about the impact of alien invasion and settlement. It has potential for use in relation to such themes in Aboriginal studies at the secondary level. Marsden's taut pared-back text is powerfully interpreted and enhanced with striking illustrations by Tan, who juxtaposes strong stylised shapes with loose, free (albeit controlled) backgrounds that contain a wealth of information about the land, its nature, flora and fauna. At first glance the bold arrangement of characters and elements and spare text imply simplicity, but closer inspection reveals complexity in illustrations heavy with symbolism. This original, dramatically different and thought- provoking picture book is best suited to older readers. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
$22.95
NORMAN, Lilith & YOUNG, Noela
Grandpa.
Margaret Hamilton, 1998
ISBN 0947241523
The complexity of intergenerational relations within the extended family, is explored sensitively and realistically in this picture book, beautifully and sympathetically illustrated. It also deals with the implications of aging, death, and grief. The tensions of the urban/country dichotomy to be found in many Australian country families, whose younger members have become city dwellers, is also examined. Many readers will identify with the challenges the characters face, and respond emotionally to the situations presented. This could be a useful resource for parents and teachers helping children, and perhaps themselves, to resolve the conflicting emotions of irritation and appreciation, and ultimately to grieve for and value a deceased parent or grandparent. N. Chaffey
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
$22.95
Book of the Year: Younger Readers
FRENCH, Jackie
Daughter of the regiment.
Angus & Robertson, 1998
ISBN 0207196745
Historical information is made accessible in this story. Harry is a boy living in rural NSW. One of his farm jobs is to collect the eggs, and it is in the chicken pen that he finds a peep hole back to colonial Australia and his farm as it was then. He and a friend observe the ups and downs of orphan Cissie's life more than 100 years ago. Through their emotional attachment to Cissie, these young moderns learn a lot about themselves. This is a great novel for class reading, promoting much discussion and generating a real feel for Australian history. It is also suitable for independent readers, as it contains short chapters and the story flows easily. R. Bodlay
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
Paper $10.95
McDONALD, Meme & PRYOR, Boori
My girragundji.
Allen & Unwin, 1998 (A little ark book)
ISBN 1864488182
An intriguing story, this describes some tight situations that a young Aboriginal boy encounters, including an infatuation with a migaloo jalbu (white girl) at school, and a confrontation with the hairyman (the spirit which haunts his house). He finds solace and courage through his friendship with a small green tree frog that hops into his room one night. He believes that the old people have sent her to protect his spirit. The story is written in a casual style that gives the audience a unique insight into how a young Aboriginal boy views his world, including the racist bullies at school, the fights at night amongst the adults, and the continuous taunts by his seven sisters. The book has an interesting layout using black and white photographic images by Meme McDonald, and the frog illustrated by Shane Nagle and Lillian Fourmile. McDonald's book was inspired by co-author Boori Pryor's childhood tales, and was written in cooperation with the Pryor family. L. Pratt
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Paper $11.95
MOLONEY, James
Buzzard breath & brains.
University of Queensland Press, 1998 (UQP storybridge)
ISBN 0702229563
In this thoroughly satisfying sequel to the award winning Swashbuckler, the author takes a surprisingly fresh approach. He develops previously supporting characters, school bullies Tony and Rex, relegating Peter "the new boy" to brief appearances, and eliminating the quirky Anton altogether. As suspected in the first book, Rex "Buzzard Breath" Mitchell is himself a victim. The well paced narratives alternate between Rex and his feisty cousin, Natalie. Both develop strategies for surmounting those familiar peer and sibling rivalries of childhood, and the various demands placed upon students by teachers and parents. While not reflective of multicultural Australia, there are many scenarios and solutions depicted which would be invaluable for class discussions. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
Paper $10.95
RODDA, Emily
Bob the builder & the elves.
ABC Books, 1998
ISBN 0733306934
Here is a delightful, humorous story of a blue-singletted, messy fellow, and a horde of tiny, industrious, clean, sensitive elves. Bob is kind hearted and usually easy going, but is determined to remain "one of the blokes". It is an easy to read narrative, with plenty of those familiar, lovable and friendly illustrations by Craig Smith. This book, with its brief sentences and chapters, would provide a great introduction to independent reading; and is also ideal for reading aloud. It is a useful short novel to complement studies about community, friendship, and feelings. The book's distinct flavour may offer the opportunity to discuss stereotyping. R. Bodlay
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Paper $8.95
SPAULDING, Norma
The little blue parcel.
Scholastic, 1998
ISBN 1863888543
Attractive design and presentation, and stylish illustrations by Stephen Michael King, do not lift the emotional weight of this story. The little blue parcel arrives at the house of the angry Mr Twistangle and his oppressed wife. They are unable to unwrap the parcel, yet are consumed with curiosity and dread. Eventually the parcel is opened, and becomes a therapeutic tool to relieve the tension. The design and text length of this story suggest young readers, yet this is a complex work which gives a glimpse of the deep emotional anguish in this marriage. The simple resolution is unsatisfying, and the didactic intent of this work is evident. J. Buckley
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
$19.95
Book of the Year: Older Readers
CLARKE, Judith
Night train.
Penguin, 1998
ISBN 0140387722
Sensitive and compelling, this novel explores the mindscapes of Luke and those close to him. The probing portrayal of Luke's deep desperation, linked to pressure from family, anxiety about exams, being in trouble and an outcast at school, unfolds as a powerful human drama. His interactions with his family, teachers and girlfriend reveal an isolated, complex, endearing character. Can his mother understand him? Will his sister's love reach him? Was his death accident or suicide? The symbolism of the train is haunting. Family dynamics are succinctly interwoven, and adolescent concerns and parental reactions cleverly highlighted. The complex truths illuminated by this book are disturbing but worth the thoughtful consideration the reader is challenged to undertake. C. Foley
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $12.95
DISHER, Garry
The divine wind.
Hodder Children's, 1998
ISBN 0733605265
Told by Hartley Penrose, this is a powerful recount of a teenage boy growing up in Broome during its attack in World War II. The story deals with the issues of: family relationships; women in war; and the nature of friendship, love and racism in a sensitive, yet challenging manner. Simplicity of language, combined with effective imagery, enhances the book's graphic sensory appeal, particularly during the devastating bombing raid. Clever portrayal of human relationships highlights the extent to which hatred and guilt can be powerfully unleashed in such circumstances. First sexual experiences are portrayed with great sensitivity, and reflect the complexity of personal responses to prejudice. Mature readers will find this a most thought provoking and highly engaging novel on many levels. K. Underhill
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $14.95
GWYNNE, Phillip
Deadly unna?
Penguin, 1998
ISBN 0141300493
Gary 'Blacky' Black is a teenage boy, growing up in a small Australian coastal town where a most important aspect of life is the game of Australian Rules. The star of the local team is Dumby Red, a Nunga, who lives out of town on the Aboriginal mission. The novel explores the humour and bias of small town Australia, as seen through Blacky's eyes. The friendship that develops between Blacky and Dumby acts as a background for Blacky's maturing towards adulthood. This heightens his growing awareness of the racism and prejudice that exists in the town. The Aboriginal characters in the novel are diverse and multi- layered, and the Nunga lifestyles are neither stereotyped nor romanticised. The non Aboriginal author captures the Nunga dialect in a stimulating and realistic way. Essentially, the book is a universal story about the pain and anguish of growing up during the teenage years. B. Percival
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $12.95
HARNETT, Sonya
All my dangerous friends.
Viking, 1998
ISBN 0670880272
Harnett specialises in portraying the dark side of adolescent experience, and this novel is no exception. Louie is tired of being a good little girl, and celebrates the freedom of university life by allying herself with a drug taking, thieving, vicious gang presided over by the wealthy, charismatic Sasha. Her commitment to the gang is constantly being tested, until the day she joins them in a ritualised revenge against Sasha's sister's abusive partner. Treatment of issues such as stealing and drug taking are explicit. Louie's emotional need, and the attractiveness of the gang's lifestyle are absolutely believable. The reader is similarly seduced by taut prose, graphic descriptions, and extraordinary events, making this a powerful novel for mature readers. M. Lobban
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
Paper $16.95
HERRICK, Steven
A place like this.
University of Queensland Press, 1998
ISBN 0702229849
An excellent companion to Love, ghosts and nosehair, this story in free verse proves the effectiveness of this medium for writing on significant themes. Consisting of a number of interior monologues offering a fine degree of intimacy, tension and energy, it covers a range of topics: personal identity; adolescent pregnancy; work; and discovery in a wonderfully laconic, gentle and immediate style. The discrete voices of characters embodied in the very subtle and natural rhythms of speech give a very moving, at times achingly funny, but ultimately warm and hopeful depiction of life from the perspectives of people at all recognisable stages of growing up. W. Bowie
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $12.95
WALKER, Sarah
Camphor laurel.
Pan Macmillan, 1998
ISBN 033036071X
Gentle, subtle, and non stereotypical, this explores friendship between adolescent girls. Narrated in the third person largely from Melissa's perspective, interspersed with stream of consciousness, it captures the immediacy of the characters' lives, though occasionally they seem distant and surreal. There are: intense moments of sharing significant personal events; humorous and perceptive observations of life, with some clever turns of phrase and image; jealousies over boyfriends; and awkward moments with boyfriends, and early sexual experiences. A sub theme involving sexual abuse emerges in an empowering, understated way and may support consideration of Child Protection issues. Family and friendship realities are captured, along with the uncertainties, change and sexual awakening of adolescence. C. Foley
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $12.95
Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
EDWARDS, Yvonne & DAY, Brenda
Going for kalta: hunting for sleepy lizards at Yalata.
Jukurrpa/IAD, 1997
ISBN 0949659991
Shortlisted for the Australian awards for excellence in educational publishing, this picture book is beautifully photographed and designed. Created with the help of members of the Yalata community in South Australia, the story tells of Yvonne, Brenda and the kids travelling into blue bush country in their hunt for the kalta, or sleepy lizards. Brilliant colour photographs show the lizards being hunted, killed, cooked and eaten. Through the text around twenty Pitjantjatjara words are naturally woven into the story, making the reading of the book an enriching cultural experience. A language word list is included, and Pitjantajatjara pronunciation is clearly explained. The style of writing is conversational, and Aboriginal English phrasing occurs throughout. The setting is contemporary and the context very specific to one community and location, attributes which makes the book an excellent resource for HSIE K-6 Aboriginal and environmental studies. B. Percival
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
$19.95
NICHOLSON, John
Who's running this country?: government in Australia.
Allen & Unwin, 1998 (A little ark book)
ISBN 1864485892
Combining his talents as writer and illustrator, Nicholson succinctly covers aspects of: Australia 's governmental history; Federation; the Constitution; parliaments and parties; government activity; electoral systems; active citizenship (using the example of gun control); and symbols of power. The language is clear, friendly and direct, without oversimplifying the complexity of issues, and is complemented effectively by the softened realism of the illustrations. Also included are: summaries of constitutional change issues; a brief survey of Prime Ministers; and a comprehensive glossary. Despite a few arguable comments, this is an appealing, informative introduction to the topic. G. Spindler
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
$22.95
PRYOR, Boori & McDONALD, Meme
Maybe tomorrow.
Penguin, 1998
ISBN 0140273972
Boori (Monty) Pryor always knew that he was Kunggandji (Yarrabah area) on his mother's side and Birri-gubba (Bowen area) on his father's side. In just fourteen years, he lost two brothers and a sister through suicide, and his closest nephew in a car accident. In a powerful story of Reconciliation and courage, the reader is given the rare opportunity to share Boori's determination to carry on his brother's role as a storyteller and performer touring schools throughout the country. Issues such as: identity; racism; and prejudice; are confronted with humour, honesty and pride. Aboriginality, the Stolen Generation and Deaths in Custody are also discussed. Boori's life spans two worlds: a white world of jobs in abattoirs, the Air Force and thirteen years as a disc jockey; and an Aboriginal world of bush tucker, dance, song and language. Warm personal photographs of Boori and his family, taken by co-author Meme McDonald, are included. B. Percival
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Community
Paper $16.95
THOMPSON, Liz
The Ngaanyatjarra of the Gibson Desert.
Heinemann Library, 1998 (Fighting for survival)
ISBN 1863915788
From the preface, the reader knows that the Ngaanyatjarra people of the Warburton community have control over this book, and that the book is only one way of telling their story. The easily read and culturally sensitive text is interspersed with excerpts of Ngannmyatjarra people telling their own stories and histories. The author also keeps a diary of her writing project. Colour photographs and exciting design complete the package. The cross section of Ngannmyatjarra culture explored includes: Tjukurrpa Law; Native Title and mining; social organisation; traditional and 'whitefella' education; contemporary music; bush foods; traditional medicines; and community art. Parallel to this picture of cultural diversity is a Ngaanyatjarra history of missionary intervention and influence, the eventual handing back of Ngaanyatjarra traditional Lands, the formation of the Council, and the establishment of the Warburton Arts Project, of which this book is a successful part. As part of a comparative study this would be a valuable resource for teachers and students. B. Percival
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
$26.95
TUCKER Alan
Side by side.
Omnibus, 1998
ISBN 1862913110
The second book in Tucker's trilogy, this work investigates the relationships between Aboriginal people, British colonists and European missionaries. Through fourteen separate accounts, he provides an insight into the impact of the early invasion of Aboriginal Land and society. The stories succinctly remind us of the struggle of the Aboriginal resistance fighters and heroes in a manner suitable for young children. Some of the stories reveal the outright brutality suffered by Indigenous people at the hands of British colonists, and why they retaliated. Others provide a stark picture of how well intentioned missionaries helped to entrench British control. Through their lack of understanding about Aboriginal people and their culture, enthnocentric practices prevailed. Tucker's naive paintings, composed like mind maps, accompany each story, reproduced in vibrant colour on alternate pages. These are an excellent visual portrayal of these historic events. Each account is approximately 600 to 700 words long and could easily be used in the primary classroom in a range of areas such as history, art, and Aboriginal studies. L. Pratt
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
$22.95
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