SchoolNews by Shannon Meyerkort 20 November 2025
Since 1987, thousands of young readers across New South Wales have celebrated the very best in Australian children’s literature through the Kids Own Australian Literature Awards — better known as the KOALAs. Unlike most book awards, these honours aren’t decided by panels of adults, critics, or committees. The judges are children themselves, voting for the Australian books they love most.
This year’s KOALA Awards ceremony, held at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney, was a lively celebration of reading, creativity and community. Authors and illustrators travelled from all over the country — by plane, train, bus and car — to applaud the books that kids had nominated. The guest list reflected the strength of Australian children’s publishing, with favourites such as Matt Cosgrove and Eva Amores, Tim Harris, Kate and Jol Temple, Pip Harry, Cheryl Orsini, Sue Whiting and Susanne Gervay all in attendance.
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