After reading the books nominated in the Short List for Book Week 2016: Australia - Story Country here is my opinion on who I feel should be crowned the winner in each category! Please note that I have included some that I haven't posted my review of yet as I am working to finish the Teaching Ideas pages for as many books as I can before next week.

Currently I have no prediction for the Early Childhood category as I have only been able to get hold of two books so far. Fingers crossed I get the others early next week.



Ride, Ricardo, Ride! written by Phil Cummings and illustrated by Shane Devries. This book stood out from the others as it isn't trying to be anything other than what it is. There is no moral this is simply a story about a boy called Ricardo and how his life changed with what was happening around him.

Powerful words. Great illustrations.




Early Childhood
I have not been able to track down many books for this category. I will try to do so and update my predictions before next Friday!


Freedom Ride written by Sue Lawson. This book really stands out from the others Shortlisted. It brings attention to a moment in Australian history that many current generations don't know about in a way that is easily read in a story that you can still relate to.


Great balance of fact and fiction. Riveting read.


Eve Pownall Information Book

Phasmid: Saving the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect written by Rohan Cleave and Coral Tullock. This was a difficult choice as there were a couple of books I really liked in this section (The Amazing True Story of How Babies are Made was a close second for me) but this particular book had charm about it that made me want to keep going back to read it. I like the way the information is presented and conveyed to the reader and I think it also has a wide appeal.

Unique, informative and engaging.