Fremantle Press author Kelly Canby wins a ‘hole’ lot of praise at the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards

Picture book author and illustrator Kelly Canby nabbed the top prize in the Writing for Children category at the 2018 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards on 26 July.

Selected from a shortlist of five, The Hole Story follows Charlie, who finds a hole and sets about looking for its rightful owner, learning much along the way about when a hole is a useful thing – or not.

In her speech, Kelly pointed out the importance of the awards for Western Australian literature. She said, ‘It’s our chance to showcase and celebrate local writers, while showing the rest of the country what incredible talent we have here in WA. For that, and many other reasons, I’m thrilled and honoured to have received the 2018 Premier’s Award for Writing for Children and to have been shortlisted with creators who I know are just as passionate about making good and clever and beautiful books as I am.’

Fremantle Press authors Amanda Curtin and Madelaine Dickie were also shortlisted for a Western Australian Premier’s Award. Their category, the Fellowship Award, was won by A.J. Betts, whose books Wavelength and Shutterspeed were both published by Fremantle Press.

The Hole Story and Kelly’s new picture book, Rodney, are available online at www.fremantlepress.com.au and at all good bookstores.