Fremantle Press Books honoured by Speech Pathology Australia

Two Fremantle Press titles, Say Hello by Renae Hayward and Rebecca Mills and Into the Blue by Cristy Burne, are shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award. This is the second year running that Renae Hayward and Rebecca Mills have been shortlisted.

Artist Rebecca Mills said she was happy to hear that Say Hello had been shortlisted alongside its older sibling Say Hooray. She praised her co-creator, Renae Hayward saying, ‘It’s a real testament to Renae’s deep understanding of early literacy and the ways that language skills can be supported and developed with rhyme and repetition. As a parent whose child spent many months in speech therapy, it’s especially meaningful to be able to illustrate books that have been recognised for their value in supporting children’s communication journeys.’

Each book is judged on its appeal to children, interactive quality, and ability to assist speech pathologists and parents in communication and literacy development.

Renae Hayward said the awards acknowledge the important role books play in developing speech and language, especially in early childhood. Renae said, ‘It’s an honour that Say Hello has been recognised as the kind of book that supports oral language development and early literacy.’

Judged by a panel of Certified Practising Speech Pathologists with specific knowledge and skill in children’s language and literature development, the Speech Pathology Book of the Year Award is a trusted guide for families, educators and speech pathologists.

Cristy Burne said she was chuffed to see Into the Blue shortlisted. She said, ‘Into the Blue is a book I hope entertains kids (and their adults), and also challenges them to think differently about mistakes and responsibility.’

Renae Hayward is the Books for Little Bookaburras Ambassador. The Bookaburras program distributes mini-libraries to young children across Western Australia.

Rebecca Mills has recently worked with the State Library of WA’s Better Beginnings program on a word-free board book. The Better Beginnings program makes sure all babies born in WA have access to books. Renae and Rebecca’s latest title is Say Goodnight.

Cristy Burne is a children’s author, presenter and science writer with degrees in Biotechnology and Science Communication. Her latest title with Fremantle Press is A New World Rises: Tales of a LEGO® Future. Cristy is an ambassador for the Premier’s Reading Challenge, helping inspire WA students to read more books.

For more information about the award go to https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/bookoftheyear