Celebrating Reading with CUCUMBER & THE LITTLE RED MAN!!! Kids Matter in the Koala Awards.

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Is this Koala so engaged that it's slipping off his lounge chair. Yes, He/She loves story.

Key Facts:

Kids chose reading in the KOALA Award., Support Reading, School Libraries, Books.

Celebrating Reading with CUCUMBER & THE LITTLE RED MAN!!!

Kids Matter in the Koala Awards.

Neil, The Amazing Sea Cucumber | Book by Amelia Tonta, Lucinda Gifford ... Neil the Boring, (Opps) AMAZING Sea Cucumber by Amelia Tonta illustrated by Lucinda Gifford. isn’t a delicious cucumber. It is a SEA CUCUMBER an honour book at the KOALA Awards. Susanne was invited on stage to add to the fun with the LITTLE RED MAN from her best selling I Am Jack. Check it out in the library on page 20. At the awards day, James Foley ward winning illustrator drew Susanne with her little red man.

Kids, teacher-librarians, teachers, authors and illustrators packed the historic hall in St Andrews Cathedral Sydney for the Kids Owm Australian Literature Awards - the KOALAS *

Authors and illustrators flew, drove, bused to the St Andrew’s Cathedral School. Children’s creators applauded the books kids nominated. Who was there? Well, everyone from Matt Cosgrove and Eva Amores, Tim Harris. Kate and Jol Temple, Pip Harry Cheryl Orsini, Sue Whiting, Susanne Gervay, more.

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Why? Reading Ambassadors like Susanne Gervay, Deborah Abela, Pip Harry, Meredith Costain ... all advocate reading and school libraries for kids.

Every role is voluntary. Reading is vital. Sophie Partington President of KOALA opened the Koala Awards 2025. Megan Light was applauded as she handed over the Presidency after 5 amazing years. Principal of St Andrews Cathedral School Dr Julie McGonigle welcomed the audience. Then the talent began with a collage of books performed by the students of St Andrew’s. There were cheers, book signings, autographs and a drum roll for the award announcements.

Bookmark the KOALA (Kids Own Australian Literature Awards) for 2026. It will open in Term 1 of the school year February 2026. The KOALA Council invites students to nominate their favourite Australian children’s books during this period.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The book must be AUSTRALIAN
The book must have been published in the last ten years
Up to 4 books nominated.
The book must not be a previous winner.
Nominations must be for a specific title.

For librarians, tally your school or library's nominations using the form on the KOALA website KOALA and email [email protected] or email online nominations form for individual student submissions.

Fun and fabulous, the KOALAs give kids a voice. READING opens the world.