Guest Post: Lisa Berryman on the ABIA 2023 Pixie O'Harris Award

KBR is thrilled to welcome long time ally of children's publishing, Lisa Berryman  following her recent recognition by ABIA (Australian Book Industry Awards) with the prestigious Pixie O'Harris Award for her outstanding contribution to children's literature. Join Lisa as she shares her thoughts about the industry that means so much to her.

What do you feel makes for a successful Australian children’s book?
As with all children’s books it needs to be well-written and engaging for the age group with characters the audience can relate to, and a richness that often be determined by the central moral compass of the book. A problem to be considered, a conundrum that can lead to discussion.

As for the Australian aspect, that can be determined by sense of place, or reflecting on our history or politics. Recognising and acknowledging who we are and where we have come from. And who we can be. That we are a multi-cultural and complex society that we need to, and deserves to be explored.

Guest Post: Sonny and Sandy Swinhart on Collaborative Partnerships

I (Sonny) had been living in Japan for somewhere around twenty years. I returned to the States periodically for business, travel and family visits. These visits were not as frequent as they should have been.

While I love my life in Japan, the downside has been losing touch with those who are important to me back home, in particular, members of my family. And I'm not the best about keeping in touch. 

When our father passed away one year ago, my sister and I decided that we should stay better connected. Living across the ocean from each other, we haven't made much opportunity to keep in touch more.

Announcement: Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Notables List

Where can you find cranky chickens, thoughtful coming-of-age stories and thrilling tales of Australia’s first scientists?

On the 116-strong Notables List for the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards.

CBCA National Chair Wendy Rapee said it was a “watershed year” with entries topping the 600 mark for the first time, and a longlist that “represents the exciting and wide-ranging landscape of Australian children’s literature as it stands today”.

“Hundreds of thousands of authors and illustrators, librarians, publishers, and book lovers of all ages wait in eager anticipation for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards Notables List, and they will not be disappointed,” Ms Rapee said.

“Our professional and passionate judges have recognised a diverse range of genres, a huge cast of engaging and authentic characters, and exciting places that readers will want to inhabit.”

Well-known names including Sally Morgan, Emily Rodda and Graeme Base are joined by debut authors including six new Indigenous creators on a particularly strong Eve Pownall Notables List. High quality production values, great research and inventive storytelling made it a brilliant year for these information books.

“A huge number of entries for the Picture Books category show that our skilled, innovative book creators have been hard at work over the last 12 months despite – or maybe because of – Covid-19.

“Our judges were very happy to see so many characters who championed problem-solving and self-acceptance. The children in these books may be different from others, but they find a way to express their feelings and gradually learn it’s okay to be different.”

The Older Readers Notable books explore body image, sexuality, grief and love in a range of life situations, while the Younger Readers Notables reinforce resilience and the importance of the environment and families, in formats that include time slip and verse

The Early Childhood Notables reflect children’s connection with animals through engaging and playful stories about pets and Australian wildlife, also featuring diverse families and the regulation of emotions.

The CBCA is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians.

Regarded as Australia’s premier children’s literature award, the CBCA Book of the Year was established in 1946 and is now presented in six categories: Older Readers, Younger Readers, Early Childhood, Picture Book, Eve Pownall Award and the CBCA Award for New Illustrator.

For the full list of CBCA Book of the Year 2022 Notables please visit their website.

Winner: Big Love

Our lucky winner is...

Nella Pickup, TAS

Congratulations!

You have won this beautiful new release by Walker Australia Studio, Big Love, by Megan Jacobson and Beck Feiner.

Enjoy!

Thank you to ALL who entered.

Announcement: Unsolicited Review Submissions Month OPEN!

At KBR, we realise how tough it can be—in a flooded kids’ book market, not to mention the current global climate—to get noticed. 

We are a small team, there are only a set amount of days in the year, and we are already chronically flooded with review copies from major and independent publishers.

However, to give emerging creators and self-publishers a chance, we will be opening our review policy for ONE MONTH—to accept unsolicited review submissions from new, self-published or very small (Indie) publishers.

Guest Post: Brenda Gurr on Creating Character Mood Boards

Are you a frustrated creative writer who struggles to create compelling characters? 

I completely understand! Three-dimensional characters who leap off the page are so tough to conjure up but are vital to every story. 

You need to know them inside out and back-to-front before you can commit them to the page. The standard method to create book characters is to write a profile, in which you list all their unique attributes, from their hair colour to their favourite childhood memories. 

You can also add a photo clipped from a magazine or found on the internet that approximates what your character looks like in your mind. A variation on this is the character interview, where you ask your characters questions about their lives and answer in their voices. 

These methods are supremely useful and, I think, necessary to help you understand the beings that populate your manuscripts. 

But whenever I used to finish one of these, I would feel a bit flat. So would the characters I was trying to create. Something was missing… that vital spark, that way into really getting my characters to LIVE.

Announcement: Teachers' Hub - Resources Update

HarperCollins Publishers Australia is thrilled to launch the new design of its Teachers’ Hub – a place for teachers and librarians to discover the company’s latest books, find out about upcoming author events, and download free teacher resources and activities to use in the classroom, library and at home.

Jemma Myors, Education Manager at HarperCollins Publishers Australia, said, 'I am so proud that we have created a truly unique online space for Australian teachers, where they can easily find books to meet a range of topics and all aspects of the Australian Curriculum.'

One can now search for books by keywords and find resources for specific learning areas and age groups. Individual book pages also list topics covered and link directly to their respective HarperCollins website pages.

This announcement comes a month after the conclusion of the Hub’s Learning from Home series, which supported parents, educators and children throughout the recent mass home-schooling phase.

'The fantastic feedback we had from this series told us that teachers and parents found it a wonderful resource to meet the diverse needs of children during the lockdown period.'

Teachers and librarians can also sign up for the Teachers’ Hub monthly email newsletter which covers news on HarperCollins’ educational titles, along with any announcements and special offers available.

To access all these free resources, visit teachershub.com.au

Visit this marvellous resource along with dozens of other helpful Teachers' Notes and downloadable resources via our KBR Teachers' Notes and Lesson Plans link via our comprehensive Resources Page.

News: National Centre for Australian Children's Literature New Free Resource Announcement

The National Centre for Australian Children's Literature are truly champions of Australian children’s books. Founded in 1974 by the remarkable, Lu Rees, it houses a unique collection of books, artwork, ephemera and author and illustrator research files, with an aim to collect, document, preserve and share Australian children books and literature.

Now, The National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature has produced a new Resource that celebrates children’s books by and about Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Stage 1, funded and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment, offers a range of books for children aged from birth to twelve years. These are offered for consideration and selection according to individual needs and interests. Each book is annotated and includes related resources to explore the book in many ways.

12 Curly Questions with author/publisher Susannah McFarlane

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I can’t watch scary movies — even movies other people think are lame! I guess that’s why I love fairytales that end ‘happily ever after’!

2. What is your nickname?
I’ve never really had one, more just shortenings (Susie, Sooze) although for a brief time I was ‘Plasticine Face’ but for reasons I can’t remember, which may be for the best…

3. What is your greatest fear?
Losing those I love

Look What I'm Reading! Zoe Bechara Publicity Manager

Zoe Bechara is a Publicity Manager for Young Readers at Penguin Random House, based in Sydney. She has worked in publishing for a decade. As a publicist for some of Australia’s most celebrated and emerging authors she is frequently on the road: rattling about in radio or TV studios, wrangling pull-up banners and filing young children into signing queues at events. She loves big newspapers and small coffees and thinks that small humans are usually the best kind of humans.

Which children’s book are you currently reading?

A book by debut children’s author Nat Amoore called Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire (out June.)

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?

It follows two best friends who find a million dollars in the backyard, and all the trouble they get themselves into. 

Announcement: At The End of Holyrood Lane Crystal Kite Award Winner

Warning: the following contains a fair dollop of self-love and galaxies of sparkle, because that's what happens when one wins awards. Ed. (aka Dimity)

EK Books is delighted to announce that At the End of Holyrood Lane, by Dimity Powell and Nicky Johnston, has won the 2019 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI) Member Choice Award (Australia, New Zealand).

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI) is the international professional organisation for writers and illustrators of children’s literature.

Event: KidLitVic conference 2019

Writing is such a solitary process. We spend most of our days holed up with our keyboards, the characters we’re working on and, some days, let’s face it, those critical voices in our heads.

So, it makes perfect sense that KidLitVic has become the event of the year on many an author’s and illustrator’s calendar.

News: 2019 National Simultaneous Storytime

Wednesday 22 of May 2019 marks the 19th National Simultaneous Storytime event, an annual advocacy campaign, hosted by the Australian Library and Information Association.

Each year, one picture book is selected for a simultaneous read-aloud event held in libraries, schools, pre-schools, family homes, childcare centres, bookshops, children’s hospitals and communities across Australia and New Zealand, where two nations read together as one.
 

Last year we saw over 1 million kids join in the campaign. This year we aim to drive the numbers of participants even higher, to help promote the importance of reading and literacy for children.

Review: Hugo

At a time when the world is desperately in need of greater empathy, inclusion and kindness, comes this stunning tale of the boy with the curious mark.

This debut picture book for exciting new children's publisher, Red Paper Kite, is a subtle and beautiful story that embraces difference and sings with enlightenment and acceptance.

Look What I'm Reading! Anouska Jones

Anouska Jones is the Publisher at EK Books, the children's picture book imprint of Exisle Publishing. She has nearly 25 years’ experience in book publishing and in that time has worked in every genre from self-help to military history, from cookery to travel. Anouska is also an author and occasional reviewer.

Which children’s book are you currently reading?
Jane Doe and the Cradle of All Worlds

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?
Quoting straight from the publisher’s blurb (because I know how much time and effort goes into writing these!):

‘When a fierce quake strikes the remote island of Bluehaven, and her father disappears, Jane Doe is thrown headfirst into an epic quest to bring him home. But this ain’t no ordinary rescue mission — her father is lost in a place between worlds; a dangerous labyrinth of shifting rooms, infernal booby traps and secret gateways.’

Look What I'm Reading! Margaret Hamilton

Margaret Hamilton AM has been involved with children’s books all her working life — as a children’s librarian, bookseller, publisher and parent. Her publishing company, Margaret Hamilton Books, achieved international success and a reputation for high quality books, many award winners. 

For her services to children’s literature she received The CBCA Lady Cutler Award, CBCA Nan Chauncy Award, ABPA Pixie O’Harris Award, The Dromkeen Medal, and an Order of Australia. She now runs Pinerolo, her children’s book cottage at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains and presents regular radio programs featuring prominent identities in children's literature on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM every Monday evening.

Which children’s book are you currently reading?

1918 by Libby Gleeson.

Meet the Illustrator: Kathy Creamer

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.

My style is varied, from colourful cartoon to semi realistic.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?

A daylight artist’s lamp, which is absolutely crucial, especially when working into the evenings. An endless supply of 2B pencils, a hardworking pencil sharpener and electric eraser, tubes of Windsor and Newton Artist’s Watercolour paints, and supplies of Fabriano Artistico hot press watercolour paper.  

Announcing: Unsolicited Review Submissions Month

At KBR, we realise how tough it can be—in a flooded kids’ book market—to get noticed. We are a small team, there are only a set amount of days in the year, and we are already chronically flooded with review copies from major and independent publishers.

However, to give emerging creators and self-publishers a chance, we will be opening our review policy for ONE MONTH—to accept unsolicited review submissions from new, self-published or very small publishers.

12 Curly Questions with author/publisher Paul Collins

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.

I published Australia’s first heroic/epic fantasy novels during the early 80s, a decade before the major publishers had fantasy lines.

2. What is your nickname? 

Truly a curly question as I’ve never had one. As a kid I was sometimes called Paulie.

Publisher's Insider: Top Tips for a Great Publishing Relationship

Your first book has been published and now it’s time for your second. What can you do, as an author, to make sure your publisher is keen to keep working with you? Well, based on my own experience and that of some of my publishing colleagues, here are my top tips.

1. Keep doing everything you can to promote your first book. While sales can be fickle, even if your book isn’t a runaway bestseller, a publisher will still be impressed by an author who continues to be proactive about sales and marketing opportunities long after the initial release frenzy has died down.

2. Don’t bombard your publisher with follow-up proposals and new manuscripts hoping that one will ‘stick’. Make sure that any subsequent proposal is as considered and carefully targeted as the first. Make it your best work, not your ‘it’s not quite there, but if you like it I’ll work on it some more’ story.

3. Don’t be discouraged if your next proposal is rejected. And if it is, don’t be tempted to change yourself to fit some perceived criteria or formula. Hold on to what makes you you and always write from the heart. Authenticity goes a long way in publishing. Take a deep breath, and simply follow up with another quality manuscript.

4. As time passes and you build a relationship with your publisher, it’s likely that you’ll receive more feedback on manuscripts that are rejected. But don’t assume this will happen. Publishers are not manuscript assessment services. We simply don’t have the time to provide detailed reports on why we’re rejecting a manuscript, no matter how much we’d like to.

5. Be supportive of the industry in general. Publishing is a wonderful ‘business’ — at its heart it’s about storytelling, promoting a love of books (in all their forms) and fostering creativity. So promote other authors and books that you love. They don’t necessarily have to be part of your publisher’s stable (although that’s nice!); just get out there and spread the word. If you’re perceived to be an active advocate for the industry, you’re also likely to be perceived as a valued investment for the publisher. But again, be genuine. Don’t do it for what you can gain, but rather for what you can give. Ultimately, a strong, dynamic publishing industry is in everyone’s best interests.

Anouska Jones is our KBR Senior Editor. Mum to a gorgeous little girl, she has over twenty years' experience in the book publishing industry. A publishing consultant and editor, Anouska is obsessed by all things to do with words, writing and books.