Congratulations to my authors whose work has been shortlisted in this year’s Prime Minister’s Awards.

Harry & Hopper, by Margaret Wild (with Freya Blackwood) has been shortlisted in the Children’s fiction category, and The Winds of Heaven by Judith Clarke, and Swerve, by Phillip Gwynne, have both been shortlisted in the Young adult category.

No More Kisses is the new picture book by Margaret Wild and Nina Rycroft, to be published by Little Hare in April, 2010.

There is no better combination in picture books for young children than the award-winning team of Margaret Wild and Stephen Michael King. Previous books Piglet and Mama and Piglet and Papa are already firm favourites, so this third book about the lovable little piglet will be a welcome addition to any child’s bookshelf.

This book celebrates the warm and loving relationship between Piglet and her grandmother and highlights Piglet’s childlike impatience and expectation of her loving Granny’s visit, which is typical of children in this age group.

The language is simple, warm and engaging, and the story builds up just the right feeling of suspense, carrying the reader along to the joyous and energetic surprise conclusion.

The uncluttered and lively illustrations extend the story with tenderness and involvement.

They are charming and deceptively simple watercolours which perfectly portray the emotions of the playful character of Piglet, who is impatiently waiting, and the joy when the two are finally together.

The book was dedicated to Sandy Campbell, widely loved publicist and reviewer who died in February. It’s a perfect book for grandparents to share with their grandchildren.

Puffling is a baby — small, white, and very hungry.

Every day he waits in the burrow while his parents, Big Stripy Beak and Long Black Feather hunt for food.

As he grows, Puffling dreams of the day when he will leave his nest and fly away — but he isn’t ready yet, not until he’s tall and brave enough to fend for himself. Every day Puffling asks his parents, but every day they say he must wait until he has grown bigger.

Will he ever be ready to head out into the world on his own?

This story about how love makes us strong, brave, and happy, too, is perfect for families experiencing milestones big and small.

Margaret Wild is one of Australia’s leading authors of children’s books, and her books have sold around the world. Her many acclaimed titles include Miss Lily’s Fabulous Pink Feather Boa, and Woolvs in the Sitee, as well as Our Granny, which was also illustrated by Julie Vivas.

Julie Vivas is the illustrator of many well known books for children, including Our Granny, written by Margaret Wild, Possum Magic, and The Nativity. She lives in Sydney, Australia, with her family.

It is a sequel to the internationally successful The Pocket Dogs.

 

Coming soon from Allen & Unwin, a new picture book by Kerry Argent and Margaret Wild, Ruby Roars.

When she was a baby, Ruby liked making popping noises with her dummy.

‘Pop! Pop! Pop!’

When she was older, she tried making scary noises instead.

But she couldn’t frighten anyone, not a frog, not a fish.

‘Shivers!’ thought Ruby. What was the scariest noise she could make?

And she opened her mouth wide to find out…

An exuberant story from two of Australia’s favourite picture-book makers, perfect for parents and children to read (and ROAR) aloud.

Judith Clarke for One Whole and Perfect Day, Older Readers category.

Stephen Michael King, illustrator of Glenda Millard’s Layla, Queen of Hearts, Younger Readers Category.

Margaret Wild, for Chatterbox, illustrated by Deborah Niland, Early Childhood Category.

Margaret Wild, for Woolvs in the Sitee, illustrated by Anne Spudvilas, Picture Book category.

As usual there are some wonderful books which are not shortlisted.