Congratulations to the AWC alumni shortlisted for the CBCA 2022 Book of the Year

Congratulations to all the wonderful authors, illustrators and publishers who have made it onto the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s (CBCA) shortlisted books for 2022.

We’re particularly chuffed for the talented graduates from our Writing Picture Books course – children’s authors Vikki Conley, Sandhya Parappukkaran and author/illustrator Freda Chiu – whose books are on the shortlist in the following categories.

BOOK OF THE YEAR: EARLY CHILDHOOD

  • Amira's Suitcase, Vikki Conley ill. Nicky Johnston

CBCA AWARD FOR NEW ILLUSTRATOR

  • The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name ill. Michelle Pereira text. Sandhya Parappukkaran
  • A Trip to the Hospital, Freda Chiu

According to CBCA’s website, the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards affirm the quality of some of Australia's most creative people and provide a boost to their capacity to devote time to their craft.

Established with the first awards in 1946, the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards aim to:

  • promote quality literature for young Australians;
  • support and encourage a wide range of Australian writers and illustrators of children’s books and;
  • celebrate contributions to Australian children’s literature.

We have our fingers and toes crossed for the Winners and Honours announcement on the third Friday in August at 12noon AEST. Good luck all!

To view the full shortlist, head to CBCA’s website.

Browse posts by category
Browse posts by category

Start Writing Fiction

Creative Writing Stage 1

Our most popular writing course. Learn characters, scenes, dialogue and storytelling fundamentals in just five weeks.

Find out more 

Follow a Clear Path

AWC Creative Writing Program

From your first story idea to a polished manuscript, our five-course pathway shows you what to do next.

Explore the program

Build Specific Skills

Fiction Essentials

Strengthen characterisation, dialogue, point of view, scenes, structure, grammar and punctuation with focused short courses.

See all Fiction Essentials

Write for Young Readers

Writing for Children of different ages

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade or YA – discover the course that matches the stories you want to write.

 View children’s writing courses