Wilderness Society’s Environment Award for Children's Literature Shortlist
We're so thrilled to announce that Song of a Thousand Seas by Zana Fraillon has been shortlisted in the fiction category of the Wilderness Society’s Environment Award for Children's Literature.
The Wilderness Society presents the Environment Award and Karajia Award for Children’s Literature to celebrate books that inspire children to care for nature and connect with Country.
Overview of the Awards
The Environment Award for Children’s Literature, established in 1994, is the world’s longest-running children’s nature book award. It recognises Australian books that promote a love of and responsibility for the natural environment, encouraging curiosity about ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental issues. Eligible books include fiction and non-fiction across picture books, primary readers, and secondary readers, with categories sometimes divided by age or format. The award is judged on originality, engaging language, and quality of design, including illustrations where applicable (Wilderness Society).
The Karajia Award for Children’s Literature, launched in 2022, complements the Environment Award by celebrating First Nations authors and illustrators. It honours books that explore connections to Country, culture, community, and language, highlighting Indigenous storytelling and perspectives. This award recognises the importance of First Nations voices in fostering cultural understanding and environmental stewardship among young readers (Wilderness Society).
Judges for both awards are appointed by the Wilderness Society and include educators, authors, illustrators, and cultural practitioners. Entries are assessed based on:
- Originality of concept
- Engaging language appropriate for the theme and audience
- Quality of design and illustrations
- Relevance to environmental awareness or connection to Country (Wilderness Society)
Learn more about the award and its previous winners here.
