CMIS Evaluation Primary Focus

A prestigious prize for illustrators, The Kate Greenaway Medal is an annual award for outstanding illustration of a book for children. 

Books are judged for their artistic style, visual experience and synergy of illustration and text.   

The medal is named after Kate Greenaway, a popular nineteenth century artist renowned for her distinctive illustrations and designs for children.

The Carnegie Medal shortlisted titles have also been announced.

2008 Kate Greenaway Medal shortlisted books 

• Anthony Browne – Silly Billy
• Polly Dunbar – Penguin
• Emily Gravett – Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears
• Emily Gravett – Monkey and Me
• Jane Ray – The Lost Happy Endings
• Chris Riddell – Ottoline and the Yellow Cat 
• Ed Vere – Banana!     

The CBCA has announced the Shortlist for the Book of the Year Awards along with the Notable Australian Children’s Books. The Winner and Honour books will be announced on Friday 15 August 2008.

Friday 15 August marks the beginning of Children’s Book Week which runs from the 15 – 22 August.

This year’s theme:  Fuel your mind

The Book Week merchandise features the imaginative artwork of Shaun Tan and one of his captivating creatures, sure to be popular with students.

For teachers, it is worth noting that some of the Picture Book of the Year titles including The Island and Requiem for a Beast are suited to older readers.

In the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books, Girl Stuff: Your Full-on guide to the Teen years and Kokoda Track: 101 days are also for secondary students.

What’s graphic about Dino Stories, a new series on dinosaurs?

Answer: The graphic novel format that uses an exciting story coupled with action-packed, colourful, comic book style illustrations to describe the life of a dinosaur and the ever present threat of predators.

There are currently four books in this series that investigate dinosaurs from the cretaceous period including the pteradon, triceratops, velociraptor and tyrannosaurus rex.

Sure to appeal to boys and reluctant readers in particular.

For more dinosaur resources go to the CMIS Resource Bank.

Simpson and his donkey by Mark Greenwood and Frane Lessac.

In his new picture book, Simpson and his donkey, Western Australian author Mark Greenwood has fleshed out this popular ANZAC story with interesting details about the life journey of Simpson, from his childhood in England to Australia and Gallipoli, and his connection with the donkey.

Finely detailed, full-page illustrations by Frane Lessac, painted in her characteristic naive style, create a captivating backdrop for the story.

Some facts about Simpson and the Gallipoli campaign conclude the book and extend the ANZAC experience for students.

Teachers notes are available from the Walker Books Australia and New Zealand website.

For more ANZAC resources visit the CMIS ANZAC Theme page and find resource lists, classroom ideas, teaching ideas and a variety of topics pertaining to ANZAC Day.

Since the late 1990s, OzProjects has been a registry to assist teachers find suitable online curriculum projects, plus resources to support development of online projects. One of the OzProjects this year is the Possum Magic Online Project.

Possum Magic, written by Mem Fox, has been a long time favourite of children and adults, not just in Australia but everywhere ever since it was published in 1983. This year the book celebrates its 25^th Anniversary on 31^st March and students around Australia and in other countries can celebrate this book through classroom and online activities. The celebration week of the project will be Monday 31st March – Friday 4th April. The recommended Year Levels are Years 1-5 but all are welcome to participate.

The Possum Magic Online Project provides lots of ideas for sharing the book and suggestions for different kinds of activities. Some of the ideas include sharing thoughts and feelings on the online forum, and uploading photos of possums or any examples of creative activities onto a shared database.

Teachers are asked to register to participate in the Project by visiting the project website and clicking login on the top right of the page, and then follow the prompts as a first time user. Registration instructions are also available at: http://ozprojects.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=126