Are you going? Have you booked your place?

How lucky are we in Tasmania to have not just one or two, but four shortlist talks, given by our judges or some of our very knowledgeable practitioners. 

Each one will celebrate the best of the fabulous range of titles published in 2025 for readers up to the age of 18. It won’t matter which part of the state you live in, there will be a talk somewhere near you. If you’re a CBCA member the talks are free. Non-members will be charged $5, a minimal charge for a wonderful few hours. Bookings are essential.

Wednesday 13^th May is the first one, from 4-6pm at Hutchins Senior School Nettlefold Library. It will be led by Anna Davidson (judge for the Early Childhood category) and Dr Mark McLeod (judge for the Picture Book and New Illustrator categories). They will have fascinating insights into this year’s process and how the books are chosen. There’s sure to be an opportunity to question them if your favourite book missed out on being shortlisted. 

A week later, Wednesday May 20^th it’s Ulverstone’s turn at Leighland Christian School Library, again 4-6pm.  This time, the speakers will be Kym Diprose (judge for the Younger Readers category) and Dr Mark McLeod (judge for the Picture Book and New Illustrator categories). Come and hear why your favourite book was or wasn’t included.

The third talk, in Launceston this time, will be at Riverside Primary School Library 4-6pm. The discussion will be facilitated by a group of current and former teacher librarians and librarians, all of whom are avid readers: Jennie Bales, Nella Pickup, Jessica Marston and Jessica Cross. Though this group can’t give any direct insights into the judging process they know their books, so it’s sure to be an inspiring afternoon.

The last talk will cover the Older Readers category, as well as relevant books from the other categories, and will be led by Carol Fuller (a former judge) and Jennie Bales. It will be held in Launceston, at Scotch Oakburn Senior School, John Morris Library, Wednesday June 10 from 4-6pm.   

Hope to see you there … Book here to secure your place….

 

Maureen Mann

Retired teacher librarian, avid reader and regular presenter at previous short list book discussions.