Guardian Australia has officially opened voting for its ambitious new poll, aiming to crown the country's best children's picture book of all time. This exciting initiative invites readers to participate in a daily elimination contest, much like the popular Bird of the Year competition, to determine which beloved story will emerge victorious.
How the Guardian's Picture Book Poll Works
The process began in December, when over 3,000 Guardian readers submitted their nominations, resulting in a diverse top 50 shortlist. This selection spans nearly five decades of publishing, from 1973 to 2022, and includes a mix of timeless classics and modern favourites.
Featured Contenders in the Shortlist
Among the notable titles vying for the top spot are several iconic works that have shaped Australian childhoods. The list features:
- Possum Magic by Mem Fox
- Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen
- Animalia by Graeme Base
- Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French
- Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury
- Edward the Emu by Sheena Knowles
- Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
- The Rainbow Serpent retold by Dick Roughsey
- Mr McGee by Pamela Allen
- Grug by Ted Prior
More recent popular entries such as The Very Cranky Bear, Pig the Pug, and Mr Chicken Goes to Paris also feature prominently, ensuring a broad representation of Australia's rich picture book heritage.
Daily Voting and Elimination Process
Starting from Tuesday, readers can cast one vote per day for their preferred picture book. Each day at 9.30am AEDT, the five books with the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition, and the vote tallies will be reset. This daily elimination format means that consistent participation is crucial to keep favourite books in contention.
Readers are encouraged to vote every single day to support their top choices and influence the outcome as the field narrows.
Final Stages and Winner Announcement
The competition will intensify as it progresses. The final round of voting for the remaining ten books is scheduled to commence at 9.30am AEDT on Wednesday, 4th February. During this phase, vote counts will no longer be visible to the public, adding an element of suspense.
The poll will officially close at 9.30am AEDT on Thursday, 5th February. The book that accumulates the most votes by this deadline will be declared the champion. The winner will be revealed to the public at 6am on Friday, 6th February, concluding what promises to be a engaging and nostalgic celebration of Australian children's literature.
This poll not only highlights the enduring appeal of picture books but also engages the community in a fun, interactive way to celebrate literary achievements. So, get voting and help decide which story deserves the title of Australia's best children's picture book!
