Birds and koalas have caught the attention of Speech Pathology Australia: Helen Milroy and Katie Stewart land a spot on the Book of the Year Awards shortlist
Congratulations to Helen Milroy, author of Backyard Birds and Katie Stewart, author of What Colour is the Sea? for being shortlisted for this year’s Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards.
The award celebrates children’s literacy and oral language skills, and hopes to promote books that directly help children get a head start on their reading. Shortlisted books are judged on their interactive quality, appeal to children, and ability to assist speech pathologists and parents in children’s communication and literacy development.
Fremantle Press Children’s Publisher Cate Sutherland said, ‘It’s been a great week for children’s fiction. Speech pathologists work diligently to help Australian kids develop language and literacy while encouraging a love of reading. These two books put Australian birds and animals front and centre and I am delighted to see them recognised in this way.’
What Colour is the Sea? is an inquisitive and beautiful book about discovery and perception. Koala poses a question to her friends – what colour is the sea? But they all give her different answers, so she sets off on an adventure to find out for herself. Author and illustrator Katie Stewart said, ‘I’m incredibly happy to be on the shortlist and would like to thank Fremantle Press for making it possible.’
Helen’s Backyard Birds is a boldly illustrated picture book that highlights our native birds in a lively read. Helen is a descendent of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia and is passionate about health and wellbeing for children.
The winning books will be announced on Friday 6 November 2020. What Colour is the Sea? and Backyard Birds are available from your favourite local bookstore or online at Fremantle Press.
