McVitty describes 'aspects of the children's book scene in Australia' which includes literature and publishing - especially for children - in Australia' (167). He briefly discusses bookshops, general and professional interest, awards, the Children's Book Council of Australia, school magazines, book clubs, Bologna and overseas markets, and publishing. He includes the shortlists for the 1990 Children's Book of the Year Awards (Older Readers, Younger Readers and Picture Books) and directly refers to John Marsden's So Much to Tell You and Possum Magic (Mem Fox) as examples of successful Australian works for children. He believes that while it is still relatively small, Australian children's literature is a healthy, thriving industry with continuing opportunities to expand within national and international consumer markets.