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

​The 2024 BOTY Shortlisted Judges’ Talk was held on Saturday, 20th April. We were lucky enough to have both WA Judges present to the 26 attendees.
Huge thanks to Nola Allen and Maria Alessandrino for sharing their knowledge of the books, to the CBCA WA Committee members who attended and helped out, to Felicia for allowing us to use the MLC Library, to Chloe for helping with the catering, and to the people who gave up their Saturday afternoon to attend. ​