Happy Birthday to YABBA (Young Australian Best Book Awards) who turned 30 today!
A bunch of authors, illustrators, librarians and school children from different schools gathered together to help celebrate not only the 30th year of YABBA but also Australian children’s literature.
Hosted by Sacre Coeur, there were many wonderful students to help direct us on arrival.
Serena Geddes, Coral Vass and the wonderful chaperon students from Sacre Coeur
The gathered authors and illustrators in Sacre Coeur Parlour
We were introduced by the students and YABBA President David Linke.
YABBA President David Linke introducing the authors and illustrators
Congratulations to Mr Richard Bennett (YABBA Treasurer) for receiving the Graham Davey Citation award. Richard has been a volunteer for YABBA for 30 years.
Graham Davey Citation Award – Mr Richard Bennett YABBA Treasurer 1985-2015 and counting!
After a beautiful music performance and a performance by year 2 students, a Q&A Panel was invited to the stage answering some very interesting questions.
Q and A Panel – George Ivanoff, Carole Wilkinson, Fiona Wood and Michael Wagner
The winners were announced……drumroll please!
YABBA winners 2015
Congratulations to all the winners….such an honour to be nominated and voted by the toughest audience – CHILDREN!
Andy Griffiths accepting his award in category Fiction for Older Readers
George Ivanoff accepting his award in category Fiction For Younger Readers
It was exactly 30 years to the day that YABBA was started……me with Serena Geddes
YABBA Birthday Cake – it was yummy too!
L-R: David Linke, Michelle Nye, Coral Vass, Nicky Johnston, Spider Lee, Andy Griffith
Coral Vass, Me, Meredith Costain
We felt like movie stars under the lights!
I had such a fabulous day at the YABBA Awards again this year. I loved meeting and speaking to all the excited children – such a precious experience for them.
This event wouldn’t happen without the hard work of the YABBA team who strive hard to support Australian authors and illustrators and also give children the voice to share their favourite books – thank you YABBA for all that you do.
Until next year…..
Staying creative,
Nicky x
