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Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Books (1999-)
Subcategory of New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards
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History

Awarded to a work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry written for children.

For works prior to 1999, see the Ethel Turner Prize, originally the sole prize for fiction and, after the creation of the Patricia Wrightson Prize, later modified as a prize for fiction for older children (e.g., young adult).

Latest Winners / Recipients

Year: 2023

winner y separately published work icon The First Scientists : Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia's First Peoples Corey Tutt , Adam Hill (illustrator), Prahran : Hardie Grant Books , 2021 22121231 2021 single work information book children's

'The First Scientists is the highly anticipated, illustrated science book from Corey Tutt of DeadlyScience. With kids aged 7 to 12 years in mind, this book will nourish readers’ love of science and develop their respect for Indigenous knowledge at the same time.

'Have you ever wondered what the stars can tell us? Did you know the seasons can be predicted just by looking at subtle changes in nature? Maybe you have wondered about the origins of glue or if forensic science is possible without a crime scene investigation. Australia's First peoples have the longest continuing culture on Earth and their innovation will amaze you as you leaf through the pages of this book, learning fascinating facts and discovering the answers to life's questions.

'In consultation with communities, Corey tells us of many deadly feats – from bush medicine to bush trackers – that are today considered 'science', and introduces us to many amazing scientists, both past and present. The breadth of ‘sciences’ is incredible with six main chapters covering astronomy, engineering, forensic science, chemistry, land management and ecology. The first scientists passed on the lessons of the land, sea and sky to the future scientists of today through stories, song and dance, and many of these lessons are now shared in this book.

'Vibrant illustrations by Blak Douglas bring the subjects to life, so you’ll never think about science as just people in lab coats ever again!' (Publication summary)

Year: 2022

winner y separately published work icon My Brother Ben Peter Carnavas , St Lucia : University of Queensland Press , 2021 21848960 2021 single work children's fiction children's

'Luke and his big brother Ben spend the summer on the banks of Cabbage Tree Creek. Quiet Luke sketches birds, while Ben leaps off the Jumping Tree. The boys couldn’t be more different but they share the same dream: winning a boat so they can explore the creek properly.

'Then Ben starts high school and the boys drift apart. When Luke catches Ben sneaking out at night, he knows his brother's up to something, but what?

'A timeless story of birds and boats, and of brotherly love that is bigger than a wedge-tailed eagle, bigger than the sky.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

Year: 2021

winner y separately published work icon The Grandest Bookshop in the World Amelia Mellor , Mulgrave : Affirm Press , 2020 19678977 2020 single work children's fiction children's

'Pearl and Vally Cole live in a bookshop. And not just any bookshop. In 1893, Cole's Book Arcade in Melbourne is the grandest bookshop in the world, brimming with every curiosity imaginable. Each day brings fresh delights for the siblings: voice-changing sweets, talking parrots, a new story written just for them by their eccentric father.

'When Pearl and Vally learn that Pa has risked the Arcade - and himself - in a shocking deal with the mysterious Obscurosmith, the siblings hatch a plan. Soon they are swept into a dangerous game with impossibly high stakes: defeat seven challenges by the stroke of midnight and both the Arcade and their father will be restored. But if they fail Pearl and Vally won't just lose Pa - they'll forget that he and the Arcade ever existed.' (Publication summary)

Year: 2020

winner y separately published work icon Ella and the Ocean Lian Tanner , Jonathan Bentley (illustrator), Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2019 16562714 2019 single work picture book children's

'A very Australian story of drought and renewal, of family, of imagination and of the power of hope.

Ella lived in the red-dirt country
where the earth was as dry as old bones
and it hadn't rained 
for years
and years
and years.

One night, Ella dreamt of the ocean…'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

Year: 2019

joint winner y separately published work icon Leave Taking Lorraine Marwood , St Lucia : University of Queensland Press , 2018 14136050 2018 single work children's fiction children's

'Leave taking noun the act of saying goodbye

'What if you had just one week left to say goodbye to everything you’ve ever known?

'Toby and his mum and dad are leaving their family farm after the death of Toby’s younger sister, Leah. Together, they sort through all their belongings and put things aside to sell or throw out. It’s a big task, and Toby doesn’t want to leave the only place he’s called home. 

'As his last day on the farm approaches, Toby has a plan – a plan to say goodbye to all the things and places that mean something special to him and Leah, from the machinery shed to Pa’s old truck to the chook house. With the help of his best friend, Trigger the dog, he learns what it means to take your leave.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

With Dingo.
joint winner y separately published work icon Dingo Claire Saxby , Tannya Harricks (illustrator), Glebe : Walker Books Australia , 2018 13753131 2018 single work picture book children's

'The night is young and there is hunting to be done. An exciting new addition to the narrative non-fiction series Nature Storybooks, about dingoes.

'Can you see her? There – deep in the stretching shadows – a dingo. Her pointed ears twitch. Her tawny eyes flash in the low-slung sun. Dingo listens. Dusk is a busy time. Dusk is the time for hunting. This lyrical non-fiction picture book is written by award-winning author Claire Saxby and stunningly illustrated by fine artist Tannya Harricks.'  (Publication summary)

 

With Leave Taking.

Works About this Award

A Cause for Hope or an Unwitting Complicity? The Representation of Cultural Diversity in Award-Listed Children's Picturebooks in Australia Helen Adam , Yvonne Urquhart , 2023 single work criticism
— Appears in: Bookbird , vol. 61 no. 2 2023; (p. 48-58)

'While books can play important roles in helping children develop a positive sense of identity and of their place as equal members of society, evidence shows how the lack of diverse literature contributes to feelings of inferiority and invisibility for children from underrepresented groups as well as to a sense of superiority and normality for children from majority groups. This study reports on the representation of racial diversity in award-listed Australian children's picturesbooks in 2019 and 2020. A critical theoretical framework was employed to analyze both texts and images of ninety award-listed books. While the outcomes suggest increasing attention to diverse representation in children's literature, authentic and equitable representation falls short. Particular concerns were found regarding portrayals of First Nations people through outdated stereotypes or misinformation.' (Publication abstract)

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