After about a month’s gap I have just posted Book #12 in my modest “24 in 24” Reading Challenge.

Since it’s already August you can see that I’m well behind where I should be at this point in the year.
But I have an fantastic excuse!
In between Book #11 and Book #12 I also read all these books …


That’s because I was one of the 4 Judges in the Children’s Book category of the 2024 Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards.
I can reveal this now because the SHORTLISTS in all the categories have been announced.
In the Children’s Book category it included these wonderful works:

The experience of being a judge and reading such a volume and variety of entries was challenging, rewarding, inspiring, daunting and a lot of fun. But as you might imagine trying to choose just 5 finalists from such an array of quality picture books and novels was at times also a little heart-breaking.
Can’t thank my brilliant fellow judges enough for making a difficult task such a positive experience.
Congratulations, not just to the short-listed books, but to everyone whose work was entered.
Winners announced on September 5th.
Cheers
Michael


















Brilliant work Michael. I judged a small competition once and was told by fellow judges l wasn’t picky enough. Like critiquing, it’s a matter of opinion. I was reading from the feel good perspective and not the cross the Ts dot the eyes. You have the advantage of being a school teacher and having marked papers would find it less daunting. Congratulations to all who participated. Jill
LikeLike