Debut PB for Annabelle Hale

Congratulations to author and illustrator Annabelle Hale on the upcoming publication of

The Bin Monster

a hardback picture book for ages 3-7 published by Affirm Press

29 July 2025

Purchase book here

The Bin Monster flaps and clacks and squawks all night, and throws our rubbish everywhere! I wonder what kind of monster it is?
A story about curiosity, determination and the elusive 'bin monsters' that exist all over Australia.

Book Launch - 3-4pm on August 10th at the Eltham Library with a book reading, craft activities and light refreshments. More details here.

This is Annabelle Hale's debut picture book as an author/illustrator. An incredible achievement Annabelle!

Thank you Amy and Hello Sarah

SCBWIAustEast is a volunteer organisation run by a team of passionate kids’ book creators. This week we’d love to say a huge thank you to Amy Jobson, who has been our SCBWI New Books and Awards coordinator. Each month Amy collates SCBWI member publication and award successes onto our blog and FB for all the world to see, which is then added by Jemima Parker to our monthly newsletter. Amy is stepping aside and we would love to thank her for all her time, effort and care and welcome Sarah Lang, who will be taking over.

Sarah is originally from Scotland but now lives in the northern rivers of NSW with her husband and 2 children. She is an Occupational Therapist and often uses picture books in therapy sessions to support children to understand themselves and their emotions. Writing her own children's book has been a dream since becoming a mumma so whilst living on a remote island on the Torres Strait, she finally made the time to put pen to paper and is currently having her first book illustrated.

We’re so happy to welcome Sarah to our wonderful volunteers and can’t wait to celebrate her picture book!

New PB for Shelly Unwin and Lana Azore

Congratulations to author Shelly Unwin and illustrator Lana Azore on the upcoming publication of

Wait a Minute

a hardback picture book for ages 2-6 published by Larrikin House

01 August 2025

It’s time to go! But wait a minute! I need to brush my t… tiger’s tail.

Wait a minute! is a familiar tale of procrastination with your not-so-familiar excuses. The morning routine has never been so fun!

CLICK HERE to buy this book.

Book Launch - Two super-fun launches with 'Minute to Win it' games, fun and stickers for the kids.

NSW 2pm Sunday 10th August, Lindfield Learning hub, Tryon Rd, Lindfield

ACT 2pm Sunday 17th August, The Book Cow, Kingston

Incredibly relatable! Wait a minute, I need to write this b…

… buffalo!