JUDGES TALKS
Between the release of the CBCA Book of the Year Awards Shortlist in March and the announcement of Winning and Honour books at the start of Children’s Book Week in August, the WA Judges will conduct a series of talks on the shortlisted books. These may include talks in schools and public libraries in metro, outer-metro and country areas.
CBCA WA Book of the Year Awards Shortlist Judges’ Presentation Talk Saturday 24 May
The mission of the CBCA is . . . to connect, communicate, celebrate, and advocate for the value of stories. (The Children’s Book Council of Australia).
Those who attended this presentation were able to listen to in depth discussions of the books in each category by four of the Book of the Year Award Judges - Nola Allen (2024-2025) Early Childhood, Sophie Helfgott (2025-2026) Younger Readers, Maria Alessandrino (2024-2025) Older Readers and Annika Kononen (2025-2026) Older Readers. The venue was the delightful Mel Maria Catholic Primary School Library in Attadale, which was perfect for such an event. Lots of the participants were thrilled to see a beautifully maintained library with many commenting that they had an idea or two to take back to their own school or public library.
Entries in the 2025 Book of the Year Awards totalled 730
💛 Older Readers 58
💛Younger Readers 150
💛Early Childhood 153
💛Picture Book 232
💛Eve Pownall 81
💛New Illustrator 47
Each judge discussed aspects of the judging process including criteria and working in a team of judges to read, report on and collaborate to identify their Notable Lists, select 6 titles for Shortlists and make their final selections: the winning and honour books to be announced on Friday 15th August. Books were thoroughly examined and aspects such as language, characterisation, setting, plot, theme, illustration, design elements and age appropriateness were discussed. Audience members received a booklet containing judges’ summaries and details of shortlisted books in each of the categories.
Following the presentations, a delicious afternoon tea was served, and participants had the opportunity to speak with the judges, take a thorough look at the books on display and network with like-minded colleagues.
Thank you to CBCA WA committee member and coordinator Tracey Willis who planned and managed the event. Thank you also to committee member Charmaine Faulkner who organised the venue at her school Mel Maria and to the library staff who supported her. A huge thank you to Nola, Sophie, Maria and Annika for sharing their expertise, commitment and passion. The event provided the audience with an opportunity to learn a little more about the judging process, thoroughly engage with this year’s shortlist titles via the knowledge and empathy of the judges and connect with CBCA WA, as it continues to promote quality literature for children and young adults.
Liz Allen
CBCA WA committee
Those who attended this presentation were able to listen to in depth discussions of the books in each category by four of the Book of the Year Award Judges - Nola Allen (2024-2025) Early Childhood, Sophie Helfgott (2025-2026) Younger Readers, Maria Alessandrino (2024-2025) Older Readers and Annika Kononen (2025-2026) Older Readers. The venue was the delightful Mel Maria Catholic Primary School Library in Attadale, which was perfect for such an event. Lots of the participants were thrilled to see a beautifully maintained library with many commenting that they had an idea or two to take back to their own school or public library.
Entries in the 2025 Book of the Year Awards totalled 730
💛 Older Readers 58
💛Younger Readers 150
💛Early Childhood 153
💛Picture Book 232
💛Eve Pownall 81
💛New Illustrator 47
Each judge discussed aspects of the judging process including criteria and working in a team of judges to read, report on and collaborate to identify their Notable Lists, select 6 titles for Shortlists and make their final selections: the winning and honour books to be announced on Friday 15th August. Books were thoroughly examined and aspects such as language, characterisation, setting, plot, theme, illustration, design elements and age appropriateness were discussed. Audience members received a booklet containing judges’ summaries and details of shortlisted books in each of the categories.
Following the presentations, a delicious afternoon tea was served, and participants had the opportunity to speak with the judges, take a thorough look at the books on display and network with like-minded colleagues.
Thank you to CBCA WA committee member and coordinator Tracey Willis who planned and managed the event. Thank you also to committee member Charmaine Faulkner who organised the venue at her school Mel Maria and to the library staff who supported her. A huge thank you to Nola, Sophie, Maria and Annika for sharing their expertise, commitment and passion. The event provided the audience with an opportunity to learn a little more about the judging process, thoroughly engage with this year’s shortlist titles via the knowledge and empathy of the judges and connect with CBCA WA, as it continues to promote quality literature for children and young adults.
Liz Allen
CBCA WA committee
