Timeless wins The Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year
Australia’s most coveted prize for children’s literature has gone to Fremantle Press author Kelly Canby for her 2023 picture book Timeless.
The CBCA Picture Book of the Year rewards outstanding books of the genre in which the creators achieve both artistic and literary unity.
Children’s publisher at Fremantle Press, Cate Sutherland, said every one of Kelly’s picture books had been made a CBCA Notable Book in previous years. Cate said, ‘This is going to be a popular win. Not only is Kelly supremely talented and creative, but she’s also an engaging personality who supports her colleagues and community with energy and generosity. We couldn’t be prouder of her achievement.’
Kelly said getting the award is like being told that you are on the right track and that you should keep doing this thing that you love because your work is touching people in a positive way. She said, ‘I would still work and make art and write books without the recognition and encouragement, because it’s what I do, but possibly I wouldn’t be quite so brave with some of my decision making. A sticker on your book lets you know you were right to make a few brave moves and so, with the next book, you have the confidence to make a few more.’
Eagerly awaited by creators and children’s literature ambassadors alike, the CBCA Book of the Year Awards recognises some of Australia’s most creative people, boosting their capacity to devote time to their craft and helping promote the scope and vitality of books for Australian children.
Timeless was described by the judges as a book that delved into time, and time constraints, through the eyes of Emit, whose family always craves more hours in the day. The judges said, ‘Minimal but sophisticated, the well-thought-out text distils the complexity of the abstract concept it explores, cleverly playing with time related idioms and word puns. Bright, engaging illustrations, as if hand-drawn by a child, seamlessly integrate with the printed text demonstrating excellence in design. Varied layouts and perspectives enrich the visual experience, with key ideas highlighted through vibrantly colourful large text that sometimes becomes part of the composition. The masterfully crafted endpapers, in a league of their own, entertain and encourage further reflection about time and our relationship with it, while echoing a satisfying resolution to Emit’s own search for time.’
Timeless is available in all good bookstores and online.
