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Children's Book Award
About the award
Part of the Queensland Literary Awards, the Children's Book Award is for an outstanding work by an Australian writer suitable for for children up to 12 years of age.
Eligibility
- Work is suitable for children up to 12 years of age.
- Must be first published between 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025 by an Australian citizen or resident who is living at the time of nomination.
- To confirm you're eligible to enter this category, download the full 2025 terms and conditions of entry document.
Prize
$15,000
2025 key dates
- 3 March: entries open
- 22 April: entries close at 5 pm AEST
- 3 March–17 March: early bird entry period
- 18 March–22 April: standard entry period
- 30 April: deadline for books to arrive at State Library
- Shortlists will be announced soon
- Winners will be announced soon
How to enter
- Download and read the full 2025 terms and conditions of entry document.
- Read the nomination FAQs.
- Complete an online nomination form by 5 pm AEST on 22 April 2025.
- Pay the nomination fee (early bird $45.00 including GST or standard $55.00 including GST).
- Send 5 copies of the book to State Library:
Attn: Queensland Literary Awards
c/- State Library of Queensland
PO Box 3488
SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101
Find other delivery options in the terms and conditions of entry. State Library must receive all books by 30 April 2025.
You will receive confirmation of your accepted nomination via email.
More information
Congratulations to the 2024 finalists!
Sunshine on Vinegar Street - Winner
Karen Comer (Allen & Unwin)
Judges' comments:
Comer’s story demonstrates a precise understanding of that difficult crossover period in a child’s life – being twelve years old. This heartfelt verse novel utilises a unique lexicon of poetic and everyday language as we follow Freya on her quest for acceptance and friendship. It is tightly plotted, lively and always engaging.
Leaf-light
Trace Balla (Allen & Unwin)
Judges' comments:
Leaf-light is a delightful, child-centred celebration of family and community. Balla weaves a tale of springtime in Djaara Country with humour and compassion. The detail of the gentle imagery blends perfectly with simple, effective language choices to create a life-affirming world.
Leo and Ralph
Peter Carnavas (University of Queensland Press)
Judges' comments:
Carnavas handles the sensitive topic of belonging with empathy and kindness in his heart-warming novel. When Leo needs a friend, Ralph is there, but only for as long as required. The author captures Leo’s fear of being different with tenderness and grace, and honours the power of imagination.
The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet
Jaclyn Moriarty, illustrated by Kelly Canby (Allen & Unwin)
Judges' comments:
This unique fantasy champions the bravery of taking action, with intricate plotting and joyful imagination. Moriarty weaves a tale of surprising secrets and different perspectives as Lillian Velvet is thrust into magical lands and times. The novel reminds us of the limitless possibilities of storytelling.
When You're a Boy
Blake Nuto (Affirm Press)
Judges' comments:
This picture book is a gentle and uplifting exploration of the challenges faced, and expectations created, by male stereotypes. Against a backdrop of shifting landscapes, Nuto employs a powerful combination of beautiful, emotive words and images to evoke feelings of acceptance and understanding about the different ways of ‘being’.
Past winners
2024
Sunshine on Vinegar Street
Karen Comer
(Allen & Unwin)
2023
Waiting for the Storks
Katrina Nannestad
(ABC Books: An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)
2022
Kunyi
Kunyi June Anne McInerney
(Magabala Books)
2021
Bindi
Kirli Saunders and illustrated by Dub Leffler
(Magabala Books)
2020
As Fast As I Can
Penny Tangey
(University of Queensland Press)
2019
The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars
Jaclyn Moriarty
(Allen & Unwin)
Queensland Literary Awards
Explore Queensland Literary Awards, showcasing exceptional authors, both emerging and established, from across Australia.