Congrats to Erica Swannell, whose very first picture book Corey the Camel received a
Erica was thrilled, as it was the first competition she'd entered her manuscript into, and submissions were received from all over Australia. She was the only West Australian entrant to become a finalist.
Fantastic start Erica - fingers crossed for publication soon!
Congrats to Goldie Alexander for being shortlisted for the 2015 Aurealis Award for her YA verse novel
Published by Celapene Press, in paperback and ebook
pbk isbn 978-0-9750742-6-8
ebk isbn 987-0-9750742-5-1
For ages 15+
When tragedy strikes, Kai and Bilby G are thrown into a journey of self-reflection where they must explore the real meaning of trust, love, family and forgiveness.
Best of luck with it Goldie!
Also, Goldie has been prolific these past 6 months - her other recent YA novel is
Published by Clan Destine Press, in ebook and paperback
pbk isbn 9780992492434
ebook isbn 9780992492441
Age group: YA
In 1954, following WW2, the Cold War sees suspicions running high - the threat of communism and spies are imagined in every shadow. Melbourne Jewish schoolgirl Ruth is trying to navigate her own path, despite her strict upbringing and the past that haunts her family. A path she wishes could include her first love - rich Catholic Patrick. But he's strictly off limits.
Sounds a winner as well - congrats once again Goldie!
Huge congratulations to our own Marcia Hatfield on her richly deserved honour - an Order of Australia medal for media and services to children's literature and film!
Marcia's books have delighted millions of children around the world - and helped their parents get their little darlings to brush their teeth.
Her best known book is The Toothbrush Fairy, written from her tooth brushing battles with her recalcitrant 5 year old son. The book turned TV series played out the nightly adventures of the toothbrush fairy who came to life when a magic moonbeam entered the bathroom. From then on he and eventually millions of children became converted tooth brushers.
The cartoon reached a daily audience of about 5 million kids around the world. Marcia is still hearing from some of them :-) She's even spoken at the World Health Organisation in Geneva!
86 year old Marcia is currently working on 'a new toothbrush family for today's kids.' Plus she's hoping to create a health foundation to address the problems of children's oral hygiene.
'To be honest, I'm overwhelmed,' says the modest Marcia. 'It never occurred to me that this could happen.'
Sure that all SCBWI members are united in sending their warmest congrats to Marcia on this wonderful achievement!
