Guardian Australia has launched an exciting new initiative calling upon book lovers across the nation to participate in selecting the greatest Australian children's picture book ever published. The publication is running a major reader's poll to crown the ultimate classic, and they need your input to make it happen.
What Makes a Picture Book Magical?
The best children's picture books possess a unique kind of magic that resonates with both young listeners and the adults reading to them. They combine witty, wise, and poetic prose that is a joy to read aloud with vivid and evocative illustrations that can remain in our cultural memory for decades. Australia has an exceptionally strong tradition of producing such books, ranging from the effortlessly educational to the delightfully cheeky and irreverent.
How to Nominate Your Favourite Book
To ensure your nomination counts, the book you choose must meet several key criteria. It must be primarily intended to be read aloud to children who are not yet independent readers. The book should be short enough to be enjoyed in just a few minutes, firmly placing it in the picture book category rather than a graphic novel or an illustrated chapter book. Crucially, the work must be written by an Australian author (including those claimed by Australia) and must have been published within Australia.
If the person nominating is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must complete the form on their behalf. The official poll based on these nominations is scheduled to run in late January.
Join the Search for a National Treasure
This project is more than just a poll; it's a celebration of Australia's rich contribution to children's literature. By nominating your favourite, you're helping to highlight the stories and artwork that have shaped generations of young Australians. Guardian Australia is eager to discover which beloved book will be voted the nation's favourite children's picture book of all time.
