Children's Book Week 2000
Children’s Book Week commenced on 19th August, 2000. The theme for 2000 was "The Edge of Tomorrow".
The shortlist of finalists in the Children's Book Council of Australia awards was released on 19th April, 2000. The winners were announced on Friday 18th August.
Note that the CBCA announced that from 2001 a new category called Early childhood would be introduced to the Book Week awards.
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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2000 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 the CBCA listing is arranged in alphabetical order by name of the illustrator)
GRAHAM, Bob (1999) Buffy: an adventure story. Walker, SCIS 970892, reviewed Scan 18 (4)
GREDER, Armin (text Libby Gleeson) (1999) Thegreatbear. Scholastic, SCIS 967569, reviewed Scan 19 (3)
OTTLEY, Matt (text Nadia Wheatley) (1999) Luke's way of looking. Hodder Children's, SCIS 976164, reviewed Scan 19 (1)
SPUDVILAS, Anne (text Margaret Wild) (1999) Jenny Angel. Penguin (Viking), SCIS 985199, reviewed Scan 19 (1)
TAN, Shaun (text Gary Crew) (1999) Memorial.Lothian, SCIS 967574, reviewed Scan 18 (3)
VIVAS, Julie (text Jenni Overend) (1999) Hello baby. ABC, SCIS 987634, reviewed Scan 19 (2)
Book of the Year: Younger Readers
FORRESTAL, Elaine (1999) Graffiti on the fence. Penguin (Puffin), SCIS 982375, reviewed Scan 19 (1)
FRENCH, Jackie (1999) Hitler's daughter. HarperCollins, SCIS 988370, reviewed Scan 19 (2)
GLEESON, Libby (illus Ann James) (1999) Hannah and the tomorrow room. Penguin (Puffin), SCIS 983905, reviewed Scan 19 (2)
HIRSCH, Odo (1999) Hazel Green. Allen & Unwin, SCIS 967978, Scan 19 (1)
RODDA, Emily (1999) Rowan and the Zebak. Omnibus, SCIS 988966, reviewed Scan 19 (2)
ROY, James (1999) Captain Mack.University of Queensland Press (UQP Storybridge), SCIS 979917, reviewed Scan 19 (2)
Book of the Year: Older Readers
(These books are for mature readers)
BARNES, Helen (1999) Killing Aurora. Penguin, SCIS 972522, reviewed Scan 18 (4)
EARLS, Nick (1999) 48 shades of brown. Penguin, SCIS 979904, reviewed Scan 19 (2)
FIENBERG, Anna (1999) Borrowed light. Allen & Unwin, SCIS 968488, reviewed Scan 19 (3)
HARTNETT, Sonya (1999) Stripes of the sidestep wolf. Penguin (Viking), SCIS 967665, reviewed Scan 19 (1)
McROBBIE, David (1999) Tyro. Penguin, SCIS 976168, reviewed Scan 19 (2)
METZENTHEN, David (1999) Stony heart country. Penguin, SCIS 985170, reviewed Scan 19 (1)
Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
(Some of these books are for mature readers)
BECK, Jennifer, BLACKLOCK, Dyan & ALLAN, Katrina (1999) Crash!: the search for the Stinson. Omnibus, SCIS 979899, reviewed Scan 19 (3)
FRENCH, Jackie (1999) How to guzzle your garden.HarperCollins, SCIS 983945, reviewed Scan 19 (3)
LAWRENSON, Diana (1999) Inside the Australian Ballet. Allen & Unwin, SCIS 989119, reviewed Scan 19 (3)
NICHOLSON, John (1999) Fishing for islands: traditional boats and seafarers of the Pacific. Allen & Unwin, SCIS 983480, reviewed Scan 19 (1)
OLIVER, Narelle (1999) Sand swimmers: the secret life of the Australian dead heart. Lothian, SCIS 961580, reviewed Scan 18 (4)
PALLOTTA-CHIAROLLI, Maria (1999) Tapestry. Random House Australia, SCIS 967584, reviewed Scan 19 (3)
Scan Reviews
Picture Book of the Year
CREW, Gary & TAN, Shaun
Memorial
Lothian, 1999
ISBN 0850919835
This brilliantly written picture book provides a new perspective and interpretation of the ANZACs, conservation, and the implications of war on past, present and future generations. Tan's evocative, finely detailed and complex illustrations complement the text, adding greater depth and layers of meaning. Opportunities exist for English teachers to develop critical and visual literacy skills, and the text analyst reader role, as students sensitively explore issues raised within the written text and the illustrations. Creative arts teachers will find the illustrations useful models and stimuli for classroom discussions exploring the use of detail, symbolism and artwork presentation. This superb picture book is well suited to a range of age groups and syllabuses. J. Stratford
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
GLEESON, Libby & GREDER, Armin
The great bear
Scholastic, 1999
ISBN 1865040363
In a previous picture book collaboration, Uncle David, Gleeson stretched traditional format, allowing artist Greder to carry the narrative across several wordless pages. Now, in this emotive tale of a travelling circus troupe's poorly treated performing bear, the words stop midway. After an abrupt "ROAR!", the moody, shadowy oil pastel drawings continue the adventure, with the animal making its dramatic escape. The conclusion is uplifting, but open to several interpretations. This may prove confusing to some students reading alone but, with teacher or parental support, the visual clues throughout (including the endpapers' star chart), and the themes of freedom and cruelty, provide much to stimulate group discussion. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
GRAHAM, Bob
Buffy: an adventure story
Walker, 1999
ISBN 0744561922
A small, charming, independent hero, a series of amusing incidents and situations, and a family focussed, loving happy ending are again combined by this author and illustrator in another masterly picture book. Buffy and the Kellys are made for each other: the conflict and suffering in the book lie in his long and complex search for what he does not know he needs, what we all need: loving acceptance for who and what we are. Buffy's picaresque adventure will amuse children and adults alike, and offers much scope for discussion about personal talents and the search for fulfilment and acceptance. The story also lends itself particularly well to dramatisation for classroom performance. W. Smith
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2
OVEREND, Jenni & VIVAS, Julie
Hello baby
ABC, 1999
ISBN 0733306853
A picture book which celebrates the birth of a baby at home, this is a warm and appealing work. While being suitable for parents to read with younger readers, it would need to be used with discretion in the classroom, as the frankness of the text and illustrations could be viewed as controversial. The well written text and detailed illustrations in this book make it interesting related literature for Stage 3 students who are studying the reproductive process in the context of human sexuality lessons. Teachers need to remember that parents should be involved in decisions about the PDHPE program. This will assist teachers to adjust their programs to accommodate the perspectives of different groups within the community. G. Penn
USER LEVEL: Stage 3
WHEATLEY, Nadia & OTTLEY, Matt
Luke's way of looking
Hodder Children's, 1999
ISBN 0733609279
Luke's talents include a vivid imagination and the ability to look at things differently. These talents are a real problem for him in class though, especially with a teacher like Mr Barraclough, whose very negative reactions to his paintings destroy Luke's self esteem. A chance visit to the local art gallery has wonderful repercussions for Luke. The diverse, detailed illustrations provide opportunities for critically examining the different ways our view of the world can be visually constructed, and the reaction of others to these constructions. This is an excellent picture book for developing critical literacy and text analyst skills, allowing students to sensitively explore issues raised within the written text and the illustrations, as they work towards achievement of the Learning about outcomes in the English K-6 syllabus. J. Stratford
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
WILD, Margaret & SPUDVILAS, Anne
Jenny Angel
Viking, 1999
ISBN 0670845051
Here is a picture book of great delicacy and strength. It explores Jenny's emotions as she deals with the death of her younger brother. Jenny believes that she can be Davy's guardian angel, watching over and protecting him. The text is understated, yet complex. Younger readers may need support to distinguish between Jenny's imagined and real actions. Soft and expressive watercolour illustrations are beautifully appropriate. Their composition, perspective, colour, and line make good use of the large pages. The illustrations help build the mood of this sad, tough, yet uplifting work, which explores grief and loss in a child focussed way. J. Buckley
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
Book of the Year: Younger Readers
FORRESTAL, Elaine
Graffiti on the fence
Penguin, 1999 (Puffin)
ISBN 0141305193
The immediacy of the present tense, combined with well paced action, keeps the reader engrossed in this story of teenage skateboarding trio, Hellz (Angelo), Tan, and Eddie (Edwina), who appear to be on a fast track to juvenile delinquency. The target of their terrorising, graffiti, and theft is Lallie, an old woman living alone with her dog. Surprisingly, when Hellz' life is threatened, Lallie comes to his aid and he and Tan find themselves helping her solve the mystery of a malicious midnight prowler. This convincing adolescent centred story offers much for readers to reflect on, explore, and discuss, including: the generation gap; family relationships; identity; rights and responsibilities; and magic. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
FRENCH, Jackie
Hitler's daughter
Angus & Robertson/HarperCollins, 1999
ISBN 0207198012
Could Hitler have had a daughter and have kept her existence a secret? This intriguing idea is developed in spare, graceful text in this powerful novel. Children waiting for their school bus tell stories to entertain the youngest one, but this tale has a power of its own. The students in their rural existence provide a realistic setting for the poignant story of a child starting to understand life in Germany during World War II. Their reflections on the ideas raised about guilt and evil are totally believable. The novel's strengths are its authentic setting and characterisation, and its sparse and evocative storytelling. This is fine historical fiction with wide reader appeal. J. Buckley
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
GLEESON, Libby
Hannah and the tomorrow room
Penguin, 1999 (Puffin)
ISBN 0141305126
Family relations, sibling rivalry, and friendship are at the heart of this captivating story. Hannah's struggles as she comes to terms with what was to be her own special room when someone else unexpectedly needs it, and the actions she takes to get it back, are engagingly, at times humorously, told. It could be successfully read aloud to a class or group. Young readers will be drawn into Hannah's emotions, relate to sensitively explored extended family issues, and enjoy discussing how Hannah copes, and what she learns in the process. James' simple, line illustrations complement tone and plot, and help break up the text. This moving, intimate book skilfully integrates complex family issues and the perspectives of a six year old. C. Foley
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
HIRSCH, Odo
Hazel Green
Allen & Unwin, 1999
ISBN 1864489618
What a curiously old fashioned feeling this book has! It is also charming: the story of a group of children living in an apartment block in the middle of an unnamed golden city. One of the acknowledged leaders of the children is Hazel Green, eleven years old, feisty, and determined that the children should march in the city's annual Frogg Day parade. Mild intrigue, treachery, and shifting loyalties do not change Hazel's firm resolve and no one, child or adult, can withstand Hazel's planning and organisation. The action is captured in black and white wash illustrations, and the writing is fresh and inviting, and quite without sentimentality. M. Lobban
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
RODDA, Emily
Rowan and the Zebak
Omnibus, 1999
ISBN 186291303X
Spellbinding adventure, and a treacherous, daring journey are key ingredients of this fourth, gripping title in the Rowan series. A diverse array of deftly drawn characters shows that being different can be a gift, and all have roles to play in a rich tapestry of life and destiny. Once again, Rowan exhibits significant courage, facing fear and conflicting emotions, and working as a team with his fellow travellers, to solve the cryptic rhymes giving them direction in their dangerous quest. Ideals, self perception, strong characterisation (female and male), and a tight, well paced plot, contribute to the success of this book. It is an excellent, challenging, and fulfilling read. C. Foley
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
ROY, James
Captain Mack
University of Queensland Press, 1999 (UQP Storybridge)
ISBN 070223107X
Bullying is often a long term problem. In this story it lasts through primary school into high school, as it sometimes may when the bully is a charismatic student who is able to get teachers on side. Danny tries the strategies which well meaning adults recommend, such as avoiding the bully and ignoring him. But it is not until he meets a sick old man and comes to understand that there are many types of bullying that he is able to develop the self confidence to deal with the problem effectively. Reading this novel will help students deal with bullying wherever they see it happening. A. Soutter
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
Book of the Year: Older Readers
BARNES, Helen
Killing Aurora
Penguin, 1999
ISBN 0140287744
Compelling, confronting, and certain to be controversial, is this bleak, though at times blackly humorous novel about two troubled teenagers. Both Web and Aurora consider themselves outsiders, both suffer self esteem and identity problems, and both embark on paths of destruction: one of self through anorexia nervosa; the other of society, with graffiti and arson. The girls' stories are cleverly interwoven, the surprise ending is shocking, not totally resolved, but not without hope. Barnes' writing is sharp, authentic: she does not flinch from using coarse language and sexual references. Her novel targets many adolescent concerns: the impact of loss and change; alienation; self esteem; sexuality; and peer and family relationships. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
EARLS, Nick
48 shades of brown
Penguin, 1999
ISBN 0140287698
Until now Dan's life has been structured and comfortingly predictable. When his parents relocate to Geneva, Dan opts to spend the final year of his schooling flatting with his Aunt Jacq (who plays bass in a band) and her fellow university student, Naomi. The emotional and sexual development and liberation that ensue provide an engaging and humorous depiction of discomfort and reality for the male protagonist. Earls entwines an objective study of the familiar Romeo and Juliet plot and film with the traumas Dan faces in coping and surviving his own imagination, obsessions and romance. Life's insecurities are abundant yet sufficiently realistic to give this novel wide appeal. E. Maxwell
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
FIENBERG, Anna
Borrowed light
Allen & Unwin, 1999
ISBN 1864489316
Anna Fienberg's writing shines from the pages in this exquisitely written story about growing up, families and relationships. Sixteen year old Callisto May sees herself as a moon; someone who "borrows light" from others. When she finds herself pregnant, she feels just as lonely and isolated as a distant planet. How Callisto struggles to connect with her friends and family is related by Fienberg in a straightforward, often funny, and intensely moving way. The astronomical analogy is maintained brilliantly and developed in clear, well crafted descriptive writing. This is a star of a book; not to be missed. B. Spence
USER LEVEL: Stage 5
HARTNETT, Sonya
Stripes of the sidestep wolf
Penguin, 1999 (Viking)
ISBN 067088507X
This latest novel firmly secures Hartnett's position as one of Australia's foremost writers for young adults. It is a haunting tale of friendship, life choices, and survival. 23 year old Satchel lives a life of few possibilities with his hardworking mother and his zealously religious father. They live in a country town which, since being bypassed by a new highway, is slowly dying. Whilst cutting timber, Satchel sees what he believes to be a Tasmanian tiger. What should he do? Hartnett's descriptions and her detailed characterisations make for a rich, riveting, and rewarding read. This excellent book is not to be missed. B. Spence
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
McROBBIE, David
Tyro
Penguin, 1999
ISBN 0141304561
Bullying and workplace harassment are effectively linked and challenged in this gripping tale, as Andrew Kinnear struggles to make his way as an apprentice in the Scottish dockyards of the 1950s. It is a close study of the purposes and process of bastardry and bullying, that covers a wide variety of social strata, through colloquial dialogue and atmospheric description. The Christian Youth meetings he attends outside working hours amplify Andrew's moral dilemma as it develops along his tortuous journey of initiation into the perilous and repressive ways of the working world. The afterword leaves us in no doubt as to the principal themes of this engaging work. W. Bowie
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5
METZENTHEN, David
Stony heart country
Penguin, 1999
ISBN 0140279083
Characters, scenes and events are so authentically realised in this powerfully written, thought provoking novel that readers become genuinely involved, feeling and experiencing with the protagonist every step of the way. And the way is not easy. For Aaron, a teenage city boy, the brief sojourn in Koorac, a small Victorian country town, is particularly unpleasant. His father is there as a hatchet man, to downsize, possibly close, the town's manufacturing industry. He and Aaron become the target of the townspeople's natural resentment, fear and anger. Social and economic issues are central to the novel. Its human heart, the exploration of courage, friendship, caring, family and loyalty, is what makes it so memorable. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5
Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
BECK, Jennifer, BLACKLOCK, Dyan & ALLAN, Katrina
Crash!: the search for the Stinson
Omnibus, 1999
ISBN 1862913781 [363.12]
Described as "a story of courage, mateship and physical endurance", this is an account of a tragic Australian aviation incident, involving the 1937 crash of a Stinson A aircraft, and the subsequent, equally dramatic, rescue of two survivors. The book's design draws the reader into the narrative, which is well supported by numerous photographs and artist's interpretations of historical events. A useful complement to an integrated unit on flight or Australian heroes, this book also provides an excellent teaching model for demonstrating the use of primary and secondary source material. Handwritten diary entries, interviews, archival photographs, newspaper articles and books, are incorporated into this work. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
FRENCH, Jackie
How to guzzle your garden
Angus & Robertson, 1999
ISBN 0207197938 [635]
Successfully growing plants is a very achievable objective when students read this book. Presented in the same chatty style used by the author in her Burke's backyard television segments, the information enables students to select seeds, grow, cook, and eat the plants they produce. The absence of an index or table of contents makes it difficult for students to look up specific information, however they are aided by clear and concise headings and simple procedures. The brief commentaries are often amusing, and well supported by Judith Rossell's line drawings. This book provides an entertaining way to learn about growing produce and is a good starting point for students and teachers when exploring this topic. K. Heap
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Professional
LAWRENSON, Diana
Inside The Australian Ballet
Allen & Unwin, 1999
ISBN 1864489596 [792.80994]
Investigating many fascinating aspects of the day to day running of The Australian Ballet, this book is a beautifully presented introduction to ballet, and to the lives of professional ballet dancers. Particularly insightful is Countdown to curtain up, which builds dramatically to a stunning, six page gatefold featuring performers onstage at the Victorian Arts Centre's State Theatre. Other chapters focus on: Blending ballet and business; Shoes; Painting the scenery; Fitness and food; Lighting; and Marketing; among many others. Captions to the photographs are unfortunately brief, inconsistently placed, and of small font size. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
NICHOLSON, John
Fishing for islands: traditional boats and seafarers of the Pacific
Allen & Unwin, 1999
ISBN 1864485906 [623.82]
With emphasis upon the knowledge, skills and understandings of the boats' builders, navigators, and operators, this handsomely designed and meticulously presented picture book shows the spread of settlement across the Pacific, and the many ocean going craft with which this was achieved. Finely executed line drawings, carefully researched, demonstrate every item in its social and historical context. Construction and use of each type of craft, from a single person bark canoe to a huge war canoe with a crew of 100, are explained, as are types of canoes used for war, fishing, long distance travel, and as houseboats and cargo vessels. W. Smith
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
OLIVER, Narelle
Sand swimmers: the secret life of the Australian dead heart
Lothian 1999
ISBN 0850917689 [591.40994]
Illustrated with coloured lino cuts and pencil drawings, this handsome picture book follows Charles Sturt's journey north from Adelaide in 1844. Large pages combine illustrations of desert animals and their habitats, descriptive text and sketches of Sturt's expedition (annotated with quotations from Sturt's diary). Much information is conveyed in the illustrations; masterly depictions of the animals' adaptation and camouflage techniques. The book acknowledges the skills, knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal peoples living in a desert environment. It includes names for many plants and animals from Pitjantjajara, Arrernte, and Pintubi languages. The book has significant potential for use in Aboriginal studies, and learning about desert environments and Australian explorers. W. Smith
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
PALLOTTA-CHIAROLLI, Maria
Tapestry
Random House, 1999
009183872X [305.85]
A rich, engaging account of related experiences explores the author's past, present and future to produce an insightful composition of anecdotes that bind five generations of the author's family. Readers accompany Australian born Maria as she begins the journey of her tapestry with her trip to her parents' country of birth, Italy. Common themes of following one's heart, challenging decisions that were made by someone on behalf of another, and continual "checking in" with loved ones to ensure shared values were still shared are particular strengths of this book. This is an excellent resource for older readers to look more closely at cross cultural issues, gender roles and sexuality. It would readily fit into an Area of Study in English Preliminary Stage 6. S. Bremner
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
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