Australia Council Literature Grant for Deborah Abela

Congratulations to author Deborah Abela on receiving an Australia Council Literature Grant for

The Kindness Project

A middle grade verse novel for 7-12 year olds due for publication 2024 by Penguin Random House.

When a lonely girl helps her Nanna escape from a prison-like nursing home – AKA Alcatraz - she not only saves her Nanna but reunites her fractured family and makes her first real friends.

Each year the Australia Council awards grants for new work and Deborah was lucky enough to receive one for her new novel.

Congratulations Deborah. Fantastic news!

New PB for Charlene McIver

Congratulations to author Charlene McIver on the publication of

Nature Study Buddies

Illustrated by Claudia Gadotti

A hardcover picture book for 4-12 year olds published by Charlene McIver.

Leigh, Tara, and Cosmo decide to study nocturnal animals living in trees for their school project.
However, Leigh is in a wheelchair, so how will he climb a tall tree?
An uplifting story of friendship, fun, inclusion, and self-awareness.

"Nature Study Buddies is an inspirational story showing friends working together. An uplifting book and perfect for any teacher that wants to educate their students on nature and accepting others."

Reviewed by Thomas Anderson for Literary Titan January 2023

New PB for Justin Frank

Congratulations to author Justin Frank on the publication of

Disgusting Justin

A picture book paper back for 4-9 year olds published by Greenhill Publishing.

Illustrated by Lesley Vamos.

A fabulously funny story about friendship, farts and fails!
Disgusting Justin will do anything to make his friends laugh.
His ever increasingly gross antics backfire SPECTACULARLY!
Can he find a funnier way to make his friends cry with laughter?