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Best Language Development Book for Lower Primary Children (2005-2013)
Subcategory of Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards
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Latest Winners / Recipients

Year: 2013

winner y separately published work icon Sophie Scott Goes South Alison Lester , Alison Lester (illustrator), Melbourne : Viking , 2012 Z1865932 2012 single work picture book children's

'I'm going to Antarctica and I can't wait!

'Sophie Scott is only nine years old, but she's going to Antarctica on an icebreaker with her dad, the ship's captain. During the voyage to Mawson Station and back, Sophie keeps a diary. She sees icebergs, penguins, seals and whales. She makes new friends, experiences the southern lights and even becomes stranded in a blizzard!' (Publisher's blurb)

Year: 2012

winner y separately published work icon The Little Refugee Anh Do , Suzanne Do , Bruce Whatley (illustrator), Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2011 Z1800202 2011 single work picture book children's (taught in 4 units)

'Giant waves crashed down on our little boat. I was terrified but my mum hugged me tight and told me, "Everything will be okay. Don't worry, it will be okay." Anh Do nearly didn't make it to Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. It was a dangerous journey, with murderous pirates and terrifying storms, but they managed to survive. Life in suburban Australia was also hard for a small boy with no English and funny lunches. But there was a loving extended family, lots of friends, and always something to laugh about for Anh, his brother Khoa, and their sister Tram. And eventually for a young Anh, who tried hard to see the bright side of life no matter what the difficulty, there was triumph.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

Year: 2011

winner y separately published work icon Hairy Nose, Itchy Butt Elizabeth Frankel , Garry Duncan (illustrator), Edgecliff : Jane Curry Publishing , 2011 Z1816405 2011 single work picture book children's

'Ever had an itch you couldn't scratch? Hairy-Nosed Wombat has one, and somebody has chopped down his favourite scratching tree!

'Join our marsupial hero on an itchity, scratchity adventure as he tries to find the perfect place to scratch his butt.

'Itchity, scratchity, grumble and groan.

A shudder and shake, a snort and a moan.

A grunt and a huff, and a spitterly splut.

He said "I really need to scratch my butt."

Year: 2010

winner y separately published work icon Isabella's Garden Glenda Millard , Rebecca Cool (illustrator), Newtown : Walker Books Australia , 2009 Z1629182 2009 single work picture book children's 'Following the well known structure of The House That Jack Built, Isabella's Garden tells the tale of growth and seasonal change, beginning and ending with 'the seeds that slept in the soil all dark and deep' and how they bloom and flourish and ultimately lead to new growth. Told with great warmth, this is a comforting story about the cycle of life in its many forms.' (From the publisher's website.)

Year: 2009

winner y separately published work icon The Gobbling Tree Mark Carthew , Susy Boyer (illustrator), Frenchs Forest : New Frontier , 2008 Z1565375 2008 single work picture book children's 'Eating everything that is sent its way, the Gobbling Tree refuses to give up all manner of objects it receives as the local children attempt to retrieve a red cricket ball that finds its way into the branches. The whole community gets involved in finding a way to get back the much needed cricket ball. Sticks, a kite, a ladder, brooms and even Simon find their way into the luscious green foliage. The question is: how will they get all the things back?' (From author's website)
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