Award Shortlist for Deborah Abela

Congratulations to author Deborah Abela on being selected for the

Queensland Writers Centre ‘Adaptable’ Shortlist for

The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee

a paperback middle grade for ages 8-12 published by Penguin Random House

2016

Deb's book, The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee, has been shortlisted for Adaptable. This is a Queensland Writers Centre program to pitch stories to film producers and screenwriters for possible adaptation to the screen! Deb is one of our own incredible regional advisors at SCBWI Australia East.

What a buzz you are making Deb! This isn’t the first award list this stupendously spectacular story has made - fingers crossed for the silver screen!


Debut MG for Lucie Stevens

Congratulations to author Lucie Stevens on the upcoming publication of

R.I.P. Nanny Tobbins

a middle grade fiction for ages 9+, published by Harper Collins

4 June 2025

After her untimely death, Albertine’s beloved governess Nanny Tobbins returns every night to continue her duties. But having a ghost in the house causes chaos. Can Albertine find a way to lay Nanny Tobbins to rest before the unthinkable occurs?

A quirky and humorous mystery adventure, this book explores courage, loss and navigating change within a family. It's perfect for fans of A Girl Called Corpse and the Nevermoor series.

Book Launch:
Brisbane: 11am on Sunday 8 June at Where The Wild Things Are, 191 Boundary Street, West End.
Sydney: 3:30pm on Saturday 28 June at Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe.
Melbourne: launch at Readings in July - details to come.

A story with spirit!