The prize for the first category — a manuscript of a children’s picture book about the State Library of NSW, its buildings or a collection item/items — has been awarded to Victoria Mackinlay.
The judges commended Victoria’s work for its well-researched and engaging showcase of State Library collection items, and interesting and thorough introduction to the Library for young children.
Victoria said, ‘I was so honoured and excited to win this fantastic award alongside Julie. It was a sheer joy researching and writing my manuscript, tumbling down various rabbit holes as I learnt about the Library, its building and the many unique and marvellous treasures in its collection.’
The prize for the second category — a manuscript of a children’s picture book about Ethel Turner, the author of Seven Little Australians — has been awarded to Abbey Lane.
Abbey’s work was selected for its interesting structure and the lovely reference to Ethel Turner and her head ‘full of ideas’. Award judge Paul Macdonald noted that he saw great potential in this work.