Congratulations to author Maura Pierlot and illustrator Maya Bora on the upcoming publication of Clutterbugs a hardback and paperback picture book for ages 3-8, published by Big Ideas Press 01 April 2025 When Steff can't find Jay's birthday present in her messy room, strange creatures called clutterbugs come to the rescue, helping her discover the true meaning of gift-giving. Join the fun in this action-packed tale about waste reduction, repurposing and sustainability. Book Launch - Follow Maura’s instagram for Clutterbugs news and upcoming launch details. I know my family could benefit from t ..read more

Congratulations to author Angie Cui and illustrator Evie Barrow on the upcoming publication of My Mum is a Bird a hardback picture book for ages 3-8, published by UQP 01 April 2025 A delightfully absurd and touching story about celebrating differences and loving your family - feathers and all. Today is Parents’ and Carers’ Day at school. I don’t want to bring anyone, but my mum is coming anyway. She is a bird. Book Launch - April 13, 10:30am at Readings Kids Carlton We cannot wait to see this one fly into book stores ..read more

Congratulations to author Ashleigh Barton on the upcoming publication of How to Sail to Somewhere a middle grade fiction for ages 8-12, published by Hachette Australia 26 March 2025 A beautiful and deeply moving story about friendship, family, hope and the power of the ocean, for middle-grade readers who love a mystery, from popular children's author Ashleigh Barton. This looks gorgeous ..read more

Congratulations to author and illustrator Mo Davey on making the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Early Childhood Notables for I am Tree Rex a hardback picture book for ages 3-6, published by Berbay Books 01 August 2024 Tree Rex and his friends will inspire readers to care for the trees around them and protect them with all their might, in this hopeful story of environmental activism. A dinosaur feat for your debut book Mo! Tree-riffic ..read more

Congratulations to author Ashleigh Barton and illustrator Blithe Fielden on making the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Early Childhood Notables for Dinosaur In My Pocket a hardback picture book, published by Hachette Australia 27 March 2024 James loves two things more than anything in the world: dinosaurs and miniatures, but what happens when he takes a dinosaur that isn't his? A warm-hearted cautionary tale for sticky fingers everywhere, from bestselling author Ashleigh Barton and Blithe Fielden. Nothing but CBCA notables in this duo’s pocket! A dinosaur achievement ..read more

Congratulations to author Pip Harry and illustrator Hilary Jean Tapper on making the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Early Childhood Notables for Over or Under? a hardback picture book for ages 3+, published by Hachette Australia 30 October 2024 Maisie is learning about ocean swimming. The small waves are easy, but how will she know when to dive under the bigger ones? Lucky Dad is there to help. A beautiful picture book about learning to swim in the waves at the beach. Waves of happiness for this duo and their incredible achievement ..read more

Congratulations to author Deborah Abela on making the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Younger Readers Notables for The Kindness Project a paperback middle grade fiction for ages 8-12, published by Penguin Random House Australia May 2024 Four kids are given a class project to make the world a better place... the trouble is, they don’t like each other… until they realise they have lots in common and band together when one of them needs help. This is Deb's first verse novel and not only did she get to play with the narrative but also with font, form and layout to tell the story. Perfect for rel ..read more

I cannot think of a better way to spend a Sunday than surrounded by inspiring creatives and incredible plants. SCBWI NSW headed to the Botanical Gardens in Sydney, for our first event of the year, Summer Sketch and Scribble. We gathered at the Calyx cafe for a meet and greet. It’s always wonderful to welcome new authors and illustrators. For those new to SCBWI and Sketch and Scribble, it’s where we get together at a specified location.  The group is lead to different spots where we are given a series of guided prompts, one at a time, after each prompt you get about 5/10 minutes t ..read more

The ASA Style File is open for new portfolio submissions! Launched in 2003, the ASA Style FIle has become a respected source of high quality illustrators for the publishing community, launching the careers of many well-known Australian illustrators. In 2024, 76% of illustrators featured on the ASA Style File have received a professional work opportunity directly through the platform. The ASA Style File service offers illustrators promotion of their portfolios to the ASA's network and wider industry network, priority access to the ASA’s Virtual Literary Speed Dating: Pi ..read more

On Friday 21st February, the South Australian SCBWI community held their first event of the year. The Welcome to 2025 Dinner was a chance to greet new members, catch up with old friends and celebrate the fabulous community of creators in South Australia. The dinner was made extra special as the amazingly talented author/illustrator Judith Rossel joined us. Judith shared her journey from illustrator to author, the highs and lows of her story and insights into the roller coaster of the publishing world. It is always inspiring to hear from members of the children’s literature community about how ..read more