Morgan and Kwaymullina make ABIA longlist
I Love Me by Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina is longlisted for the Australian Book Industry’s award for Small Publisher’s Children’s Book of the Year.
Sally and Ambelin, both based in Bicton, were delighted at the announcement.
‘It’s one of our favourite books and we are happy it is finding an enthusiastic audience among children,’ said acclaimed author Sally Morgan.
The Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs) celebrate the connection between Australian readers and the authors, editors, publishing professionals and retailers, who unite to create the must-read books of the year.
Fremantle Press children’s publisher Cate Sutherland, who has worked on numerous award-winning titles for younger readers, believes that the longlist is a well-earned celebration for the book.
‘It’s wonderful to see this gorgeous book about self-esteem receiving the recognition it deserves. Sally and Ambelin are talented and generous creators, and this is a book close to their hearts and ours,’ said Cate.
Western Australian legend and Fremantle Press author Tim Winton also made the longlist. The ABIA shortlist will be revealed on 9 April, with the winners announced during the ABIA gala event on 25 May at the Art Gallery of NSW.
Both Ambelin and Sally’s most recent books were named on this year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Notable Book List while Morgan was a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Literary Award in 2016.
I Love Me is a book about celebrating individuality and joyous self-esteem in bouncy rhythmic prose and riotous colour. A paperback edition of the book is being released by Fremantle Press this April.
