The Australia Post Legends Award
The Australia Post Australian Legends Award is presented annually by Australia Post to honour a living individual or group of individuals who have excelled in a particular field of endeavour. The award recognises outstanding individuals for their part in shaping the social and cultural life of Australia."This year’s recipients are celebrated and award-winning authors – talented creators of narrative books and picture books for young people, from the youngest readers through to adolescents. The Legends of Children’s Literature stamp issue, released on the 17 January honours Mem Fox AM, Morris Gleitzman, Leigh Hobbs, Alison Lester and Shaun Tan." See the Australia Post website for the full article and detailed bibliographic notes on each legend.
Australia Post has also produced a great video compilation of the five 'legends' sharing their thoughts and inspirations for writing and illustrating children's books.
Australia Day Awards
Jennifer Rowe: Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the highest honour, for her services to children's literature. Most readers will know her best by her pseudonym Emily Rodda and her many works - picture books and novels written under that name. I am sure many of you have grew up on or have shared Rowan of Rin and Deltora Quest books. read a great article from late last year from the ABC: Emily Rodda: The Deltora Quest author on her new book and her ongoing fascination with riddles and watch an interview after receiving her award. If you are unfamiliar with the publications of Jennifer Rowe / Emily Rodda Readings provides a great introduction.
Sophie Masson: Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to literature as both an author and publisher and her active involvement in industry organisations. Read an interview with Nichols Fuller of the Armidale Express. Sophie has a great website to discover more about her writing for children and young adults.
Alison Lester: Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to literature as a children's author and illustrator, and to Indigenous literacy. Find out more about Alison and her prolific publishing efforts on her website and read an article from the Pakenham Gazette: Lester on Honours List.
The Library and Information Association has compiled a list of other award recipients recognised for their work in library related endeavours.
What an exciting start to the year - I am sure it bodes well for children's literature and will kick off 2019 as a year where reading, sharing and supplying books to children and young adults will be paramount.
Go forth and share some of the amazing works from these and other Australian book creators with your children, friends and students.
Jennie Bales
Social Media Coordinator, CBCA Tasmania.
Thanks Jennie for sharing the celebration of excellence amongst our Children's Literature creators. It is wonderful to see this selection of talented people recognized and honoured in nationally as it lifts the importance and profile of our creators.
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