Q&A with the authors of the Readings Children's Prize shortlist
To help you work out where to start with the Children's Prize shortlist, and figure out which book is the right fit for the young reader in your life, we asked the shortlisted authors:
Who is the ideal reader for your book and/or what do you hope readers take away from it?
Anton Clifford-Motopi, author of To and Fro, says:
'I think To and Fro is ideal for independent readers aged 10 years and over who enjoy reading realistic fiction that uses different types of humour to tell a story tackling serious subject matter. My hope is that the story will connect with young readers who are grappling with issues related to self-identity and belonging, and prompt open and thoughtful conversations around race and identity.
I want kids to laugh a lot and think a bit more about how they see themselves and others. I don’t want to tell them what to think or do, and I don’t have the answers. I trust that kids who read To and Fro will take away from the book what is most relevant and important to them at the time.'
Jo Dabrowski, author of Get Your Act Together Doris Kozlowski, says:
'Even though Doris is obviously a girl, I’d love boys and girls to enjoy the book equally. In this age of social media and the constant pressure kids feel to be happy, or popular, or perfect, I’d love Doris to inspire readers to live an authentic life and be comfortable in their own skin.'
Ella Mulvey & John Roebuck, authors of Batthew Aromascent and the Missing Corpse Flower, say:
John: 'Anybody, any age, who needs a bit more cheerfulness in their soul, which is what I hope they take away from it.'
Ella: 'We wanted to examine good and bad and the idea that life, including people and smells, doesn’t fall neatly into these categories. Perhaps readers will come away from reading this story a little more generous and curious.
We try not to take ourselves too seriously. Our book does the same. We hope readers will feel what we did when we wrote it: delight, joy, adventure and curiosity.'
Tylissa Elisara, author of Wurrtoo, says:
'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are the ideal audience for the book, as I hope, like my son, they enjoy seeing their culture positively represented in a classic-like tale. However, I hope children from all backgrounds enjoy the story and are inspired to write their own one day.
I also hope that non-Indigenous children are able to learn more about and further appreciate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being.'
Beverley McWilliams, author of Spies in the Sky, says:
'Spies in the Sky would appeal to readers 8+ who enjoy historical fiction and love animals.
I always like to champion the underdog (or in this case the under-bird). In today’s society pigeons don’t have the best reputation. I wanted my story to change that perception and I’m always delighted when readers tell me they look at pigeons differently after reading my book.
Overall, I hope readers come away having enjoyed a great adventure story and I’d love to think they learned a lot of history along the way. But above everything, I hope my book inspires empathy and compassion, not just for pigeons but for all animals who served in war.'
Reece Carter, author of The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright, says:
'My readers like an adventure – a rollicking ride full of monsters, ghouls and ghosts. I write primarily to entertain because I think reading should be a joy. I want kids to have fun reading my books. And if they happen to take something away from the way Flip and his friends save the day by acting with kindness and bravery? Even better.'
