Congratulations to author Dr Danielle Camer and illustrator Tatsiana Burgaud on winning Distinguished Favourite for the NYC Big Book Award 2023 and Distinguished Favourite for the Independent Press Award 2024 in the Picture Book category (all ages) Cover illustrated by Tatsiana Burgaud and Jessica McLure Sophie Won’t Sleep a self-published hardback picture book for 3 to 6 year olds published in 2021 These awards recognise quality books from around the world. Danielle has been invited to attend an awards ceremony in NYC in June to be presented with these awards, and was featured on a billboard ..read more

Congratulations to author Deborah Frenkel and illustrator Danny Snell on the upcoming publication of The Truck Cat a hardback picture book for ages 3 and above by Hardie Grant Children's Publishing 01 May 2024 Tinka is a cat. Yacoub is his human. They live on a B-double tri-axle truck. But where is home, really? A story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes lost and found. Looking forward to this important story from two incredible creators ..read more

Congratulations to author and illustrator Margeaux Davis on the publication of What Stars are For a hardback picture book for 6-10 year olds published by Affirm Press 30 April 2024 Henry spends his nights exploring the world alone and wondering one thing: what are stars for? One morning, he decides to come out of his shell and ask someone. This is a moving story about curiosity, courage and finding friendship. Congratulations on your debut picture book as author/illustrator, Margeaux. A mesmerising cover for a gorgeous story with universal themes ..read more

Congratulations to Mick Elliott on the publication of MUMS AND MOGS Written and Illustrated by Mick Elliott a hardback fiction picture book for 0-7 year-olds published by Walker Books Australia April 2024 MUMS AND MOGS is the follow up to Mick's popular picture book debut, DADS AND DOGS. It is a joyous celebration of all the different types of mums in the world - and their cats! Written and drawn during the covid lockdowns, MUMS & MOGS captures the many roles that mums embrace. It brims with humour, chaos and warmth, making it the perfect read-along for parents. Purr-fect timing for Mother ..read more

Congratulations to Hazel Edwards on the publication of Author-preneurship Cover illustrated by Tess McCabe a YA non-fiction for ages 12 to adult published by Amba Press May 2024 Author-preneurship is about the business of creativity. This will also be relevant to many young people who may be creating in new visual and digital fields and for whom their 'brand' will matter.  This non-fiction includes case studies and strategies. Some treasured guidance to make your passion financially sustainable ..read more

Anne Morgan was the founding co-coordinator of SCBWI Tasmania, a role she fulfilled for nearly ten years. It’s hard to explain just how important Anne has been to the children’s literature scene in Tasmania but, let’s try.  Firstly (most obviously) without Anne’s tireless enthusiasm there would be no SCBWI Tasmania.  Our little group would still be part of Victoria (hi Victoria!).  Without local organisation we could not have established a partnership with the Tasmanian Writers Centre that would go on to provide opportunities for our members to speak, perform and share their w ..read more

Under Anne’s leadership, a lot has happened! Just the last year alone has been a blast! Here’s what’s been going on. Webinar on Self-Publishing Picture Books, 21 March 2024. Frances Mackay presenting her informative and highly successful Webinar to 45 attendees. Waddamana Retreat, Central Highlands, 9-12 Feb 2024. Left: Amanda O’Shea (Northern TAS Coordinator) with orphan baby wombat Wilma – or was it Fred? Right: Yoga class, led by Reena Balding, left to right, Angela Kingston, Amanda O’Shea, Julie Hunt, Nicole Gill and Jedda Robbard. Tasmania Reads Week 17-14 March 2024 SCBWI Creators’ b ..read more

There are many wonderful people who turn the wheels of SCBWI AustraliaEast. One role that is important, is the New Books and Awards Coordinator. Each month they collate SCBWI member publication and award successes onto our blog and FB for all the world to see, which then is raved about by Jemima Parker, who compiles our monthly newsletter. Jacinta has decided to step down from her position and we would love to thank her for all her time, effort and care in helping the world know about our members’ success! You have been amazing. Taking over from Jacinta will be Amy Jobson. Amy is a writer bas ..read more

Congratulations to author Lian Tanner for being shortlisted in the 2023 Aurealis Award for Best Children's Fiction Spellhound (Dragons of Hallow #1) a junior fiction for 7-11 year olds published in April 2023 by Allen & Unwin Cover illustrated by Sally Soweol Han This is a magical time for Lian with the second Dragons of Hallow book just days away from being released ..read more

Congratulations to author Lian Tanner on the upcoming publication of Fledgewitch (Dragons of Hallow #2) Cover illustration by Martina Heiduczek a paperback junior fiction for 7-11 year olds published by Allen & Unwin April 2024 A bewitching tale of bravery, betrayal and one very forgettable horned glob, from the award-winning author of Rita's Revenge and Spellhound. Book launch - 10.30 am, Saturday April 13th, State Library of Tasmania, Hobart 10.30 am, Friday April 26th, George Town Library 10.30 am, Saturday April 27th, Launceston Library Lovers of Spellhound will be charmed to see anoth ..read more