Children's Book Award

Congratulations to the 2024 finalists!

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

Sunshine on Vinegar Street

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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’.

Learn more

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. Children’s Book Award is supported by the Talbot Foundation.

Eligibility

Work is suitable for children up to 12 years of age.
Must be first published between 1 May 2023 and 30 April 2024 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 2024 terms and conditions of entry document.

Prize

$15,000

2024 key dates

1 March: entries open
12 April: entries close
1 March–18 March: early bird entry period
19 March–12 April: standard entry period
26 April: due date for books to arrive at State Library
1 August: shortlist announced
5 September: awards ceremony at State Library of Queensland

How to enter

Download and read the full 2024 terms and conditions of entry document.
Read the nomination FAQs.
Complete an online nomination form by 12 April.
Pay the nomination fee (early bird $40 including GST or standard $50 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.

You will receive confirmation of your accepted nomination via email.