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| Children's Book Council of Australia | |
|---|---|
| Name | Children's Book Council of Australia |
| Founded | 1945 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, New South Wales |
| Region | Australia |
| Language | English |
Children's Book Council of Australia is a national not-for-profit organization established to promote literature for young readers across Australia. It engages with libraries, schools, publishers, authors, illustrators and cultural institutions to foster reading, literacy and children's literature appreciation. The Council administers awards, coordinates events, publishes resources and collaborates with educational and cultural bodies to influence publishing and curriculum practices.
The Council was founded in 1945 following initiatives by early Australian librarians and literary advocates associated with State Library of New South Wales, Australian Library and Information Association, National Library of Australia, Melbourne University Press and community groups that included members linked to Sydney Morning Herald and ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). In the post-World War II era, contemporaries such as Norman Lindsay, Ethel Turner, May Gibbs and proponents from the Public Library Movement influenced a rising interest in children's publishing shaped by contacts with institutions like British Library, Library of Congress, UNESCO and exhibitions at venues such as Art Gallery of New South Wales and Melbourne Museum. The Council's activities intersected with national cultural debates involving figures from Commonwealth Literary Fund, Australian Council for the Arts and state education departments, and evolved alongside developments in Australian children's books by creators including C. J. Dennis, Colin Thiele, Randolph Stow and Patricia Wrightson.
Governance draws on volunteer and elected participation from representatives of major libraries including State Library of Victoria, State Library of Queensland, National Library of Australia and professional bodies such as Australian Library and Information Association and publishing houses like HarperCollins, Allen & Unwin, Penguin Random House and Walker Books. The Council's leadership historically coordinated with ministers from portfolios covering Commonwealth of Australia, state arts ministers and education ministers connected to institutions such as New South Wales Department of Education and Victorian Department of Education and Training. Committees incorporate judges, regional convenors, treasurers and presidents who liaise with festivals such as Sydney Writers' Festival, Melbourne Writers Festival and organisations like Australian Society of Authors and Copyright Agency.
The Council administers national prizes and recognition programs that parallel international awards such as the Hans Christian Andersen Award, Carnegie Medal (literary award), Kate Greenaway Medal and Newbery Medal. Its flagship awards celebrate authors and illustrators whose work competes with titles by creators connected to Jacqueline Wilson, Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak and Roald Dahl in terms of profile, while also highlighting Australian voices akin to Mem Fox, John Marsden, Gillian Rubinstein, Andy Griffiths, Emily Rodda, Alison Lester, Julie Vivas, Jeannie Baker and Bruce Pascoe. The awards process involves shortlists, judging panels and presentation ceremonies held in collaboration with venues such as State Library of New South Wales, Australian Centre for the Moving Image and major university libraries.
The Council runs campaigns and classroom initiatives that engage schools, teachers' unions and curriculum authorities including Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, New South Wales Education Standards Authority and Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. Projects coordinate with literacy organisations like Australian Literacy Educators' Association, community groups linked to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission-era networks, and events at festivals such as Brisbane Writers Festival and Darwin Festival. Outreach involves partnerships with libraries, museums and galleries such as National Gallery of Australia and regional cultural centres to promote Indigenous storytelling traditions alongside international exchange programs referencing Bologna Children's Book Fair and collaborations with publishers attending Frankfurt Book Fair.
The Council publishes reading lists, award catalogues and teaching guides circulated through public library systems like City of Sydney Libraries, university presses such as University of Queensland Press and professional networks including Australian Library and Information Association. Resources highlight works by illustrators and authors associated with publishing houses including Penguin Books, HarperCollins, Random House and small presses like UQP and Little Hare Books. The Council's materials are used in tertiary courses at institutions such as University of Melbourne, Monash University and Australian Catholic University and inform acquisitions by major cultural libraries.
Membership comprises authors, illustrators, teachers, librarians, publishers and booksellers who affiliate through state branches linked to entities such as State Library of Western Australia, State Library of South Australia, Queensland State Library and regional library services. Affiliations extend to national organisations including Australian Society of Authors, Australian Library and Information Association, Australian Publishers Association and international networks like International Board on Books for Young People and Children's Book Council (United States). The Council also collaborates with unions and educational bodies including Australian Education Union and arts organisations funded via mechanisms related to the Australia Council for the Arts.
Category:Australian children's literature organizations