Picture Fiction (1994-)
or Picture Books
Subcategory of The Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children's Literature
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Latest Winners / Recipients

Year: 2024

winner y separately published work icon Hope Is The Thing Johanna Bell , Erica Wagner (illustrator), Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2023 25415885 2023 single work picture book children's

'A highly original, beautiful and deeply meaningful picture book that sees the marvellous and inspiring world of birds through the eyes of a child and celebrates birds' adaptability and ingenuity.

'Hope is a kookaburra singing the sun
Hope is the emu learning to run 

'Let your imagination soar in this joyful ode to the world of birds and the healing power of nature.

'Sparked by the Emily Dickinson poem 'Hope is the thing with feathers', this lyrical text accompanied by glorious mixed media collages reflects and celebrates the diversity, ingenuity and wonder of birds.'(Publication summary)

Year: 2023

winner y separately published work icon Kind Jess McGeachin , Jess McGeachin (illustrator), Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2022 24389709 2022 single work picture book children's

'From one of Australia's most talented new picture-book creators comes this beautiful ode to the wonders of our natural world.

'From the tiniest beetle to the most majestic whale, every creature on Earth is a marvel, deserving of awe and compassion. This beautiful picture book is a unique celebration of living things of many kinds - and the kindness we can show them as we wander through the world. A stunning and lyrical masterpiece from an exciting Australian talent.'  (Publication summary)

Year: 2022

joint winner y separately published work icon The River Sally Morgan , Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr (illustrator), Broome : Magabala Books , 2021 22125294 2021 single work picture book children's

'Another simple, universal story from Sally Morgan – this time a beautifully illustrated celebration of the life of the river. The River takes the reader on a journey of what their eyes can see and their ears can hear. See green ants crawling, hear frogs croaking, a goanna running, a fish splashing... Sally Morgan’s beautiful words and Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr’s sensitive artwork combine to make this a unique, distinctive children’s picture book with global appeal. Johnny infuses his illustrations with his fine-art aesthetic and his traditional motifs to bring each page to vivid life.' (Publication summary)

joint winner y separately published work icon Sharing Fay Muir , Sue Lawson , Leanne Mulgo Watson (illustrator), Broome : Magabala Books , 2021 23071627 2021 single work picture book children's

'When we share, there is plenty for all.

'A tender, thoughtful story with a gentle reminder of all the ways sharing makes us stronger.

'Sharing is book three in the award-winning Our Place series (Respect 2020, Family 2020) that introduces children to First Nations philosophies that are dear to Aunty Fay’s heart. Each book is a powerful educational tool, with exquisite illustrations.

'Written with tenderness and clarity, Sharing is illustrated by award-winning creator Leanne Mulgo Watson (Cooee Mittigar 2019).'

Year: 2021

winner y separately published work icon The Giant and the Sea Trent Jamieson , Rovina Cai (illustrator), Sydney : Lothian , 2020 18425945 2020 single work picture book children's

'A giant stands on the shore, watching the sea. She never moves, never speaks, until the day she turns to a little girl and says, 'The sea is rising.'

'The brave girl takes the message to the town. But when the people refuse to listen, the giant must find another way to save them.

'Perfect for the children of the Climate Strike, this is a lyrical and deeply moving story about climate change, standing up for what you believe in, and the power of hope.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

Year: 2020

winner y separately published work icon One Careless Night Christina Booth , Christina Booth (illustrator), Newtown : Walker Books Australia , 2019 15424352 2019 single work picture book children's

'Where the mist swallows mountains and winds whisper through ancient trees, a mother and her pup run wild and free. They hunt, but they are also hunted. Carted away. Sold for bounty. And then, one careless night … The last thylacine is gone. The beautiful but heartbreaking story of Australia's last thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), which died in captivity.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

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