Announcement: The Environment Award for Children's Literature 2021 by Wilderness Society: WINNERS!

WINNERS OF 2021 ENVIRONMENT AWARD FOR CHILDREN’S LITERATURE ANNOUNCED

The winners for this year’s Environment Award for Children’s Literature have been announced by the Wilderness Society during Nature Book Week, which runs between 6 – 12 September.

Now in its 27th year, the Wilderness Society shortlists the best children’s nature books before a panel of judges crowns a winner for three categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Picture Fiction. The award showcases and celebrates some of the best writers and illustrators working in children’s literature.

The winner of the Fiction category of the Environment Award for Children’s Literature is The Power of Positive Pranking by Nat Amoore. The book explores the agenda of the Green Peas, who are determined to make a difference in the world. When the adults won’t listen, the kids will find a way to be heard – as long as they can stay out of detention.

The winner of the Nonfiction category is Tree Beings by Raymond Huber, illustrated by Sandra Severgnini. This storybook depicts how much we depend on trees for our survival, yet few understand just how fascinating these beings really are. With a foreword by the world-renowned anthropologist Jane Goodall, Tree Beings is an adventure through the secret world of trees.

The Giant and the Sea by acclaimed author Trent Jamieson and CBCA Award-winner Rovina Cai took out the Picture Fiction category. The book explores themes about the environment, climate change and standing up for what you believe in.

The Ambassador for this year’s award is ecologist and science communications expert, Dr Jen Martin. Joining her as judges of this year’s shortlist are acclaimed playwright and children’s author, Hilary Bell; the New York Times bestselling cartoonist and creator of last year's Fiction Winner, Gavin Aung Than; as well as sustainability advocates, Sadie Chrestman and Matthew Evans, who were both featured on SBS’ TV series, Gourmet Farmer.

Judge Hilary Bell said, 'Congratulations to the winners of this prestigious award, one that is so important in its recognition of the need to inspire our next generation of nature-lovers and -warriors. The prizewinning books were each remarkable in unique ways, but all shared a special quality: that of instilling in kids a sense of empowerment.'

Past winners of the award included acclaimed Australian children’s authors Tim Winton, Paul Jennings, Jackie French, the late Narelle Oliver, Coral Tulloch, Graeme Base, and Wendy Orr.