Speech Pathology Book of the Year awards
Not all picture books are created equal! The Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year awards the best books for language and literacy. The awards aim to encourage a love of reading, promote quality Australian children’s literature, and enhance awareness of the role speech pathologists play in language and literacy development.
The link between language and literacy
Good oral language skills underpin literacy. There are very strong links between good listening, understanding and speaking skills, and the achievement of literacy. Speaking difficulties in preschool may often lead to ongoing reading difficulties throughout childhood and adolescence.
The speech pathologist’s role
Speech pathologists assess, diagnose and treat communication disorders, such as difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice. They play a vital role is developing children’s sound awareness and oral language abilities and work with families to help the growth of literacy.
Speechie Storytime
Want to know more about the role of Speech Pathologists or find out if your child could benefit from seeing one? Come along to one of our Speechie Library Talks, with special guest Speech Pathologists Reegan or Justine. Listen to award-winning picture books, learn about what speechies do, and find out more about how you can support your child’s early language and literacy development. Bookings are essential.
Miles: Tuesday 10 November
Chinchilla: Friday 13 November 9.30am
Tara: Tuesday 17 November 11am
Dalby: Tuesday 17 November 10.30am
Borrow award-winning books
Books are judged on their appeal to children, interactive quality and ability to assist parents and speech pathologists in encouraging children’s communication and literacy development. The Speech Pathology Book of the Year awards go to:
Birth to three years
Birth to three years“Meerkat splash” by Aura Parker.
Follow Meerkat Red into the burrow and join all the colourful meerkat friends for one big crazy bathtime! But who makes the biggest meerkat splash?
Three to five years
Three to five years“Charlie’s shell” by Marina Zlatanova (available soon).
Charlie the snail is taunted by three passing slugs. Charlie looks different, he has a big shell on his back. Bewildered and upset, Charlie has a very clever idea – to discard his once-beloved shell so he too could look like a slug. But being bare is not as easy as it seems! A snail tale with an important message – to appreciate the shell you’re in.
Five to eight years
Five to eight years“Goat on a boat” by Nick Dent (available soon).
When a goat arrives on a rocky island, the resident sheep are afraid he’ll eat all their grass. But this goat has hidden talents… This humorous story for children has an important message to convey.
Eight to ten years
Eight to ten years“The little wave” by Pip Harry.
When a Manly school sets out to bring a country class for a beach visit, three very different kids find each other and themselves. A moving and heartwarming novel about friendship, new experiences and staying true to yourself.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authored children’s book award
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authored children’s book award“My culture and me” by Gregg Dreise.
Feel the rhythm of the music, from your heart down to you feet. Enjoy the movements of melodies, as clapsticks keep a strong beat. This is my culture. This is me. Beautifully written and illustrated, My Culture and Me is a heartfelt and stirring story of cherishing and sustaining Indigenous cultures.