Tracey Gibbs, Helen Milroy and Katie Stewart are all shortlisted and in the running to win Australia’s Speech Pathology Book of the Year in 2021
Congratulations to Helen Milroy, author of Backyard Bugs, Katie Stewart, author of What Colour is the Sea? and Tracey Gibbs, author of Let’s Count Wildflowers 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 an honour to be recognised by a group of professionals whose job is to help Australian kids develop language and literacy skills and a love of reading.’
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 Bugs is a boldly illustrated picture book that highlights the small creatures kids are likely to see in and around their homes. Helen is a descendent of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia and is passionate about health and wellbeing for children.
Beautiful, bold wildflowers are the heroes of Let’s Count Wildflowers, Tracey’s colourful, pop-art inspired counting board book for the very young.
The winning books will be announced on Friday 29 October 2021. Let’s Count Wildflowers, What Colour is the Sea? and Backyard Bugs are available from your favourite local bookstore or online at Fremantle Press.
