Scotch College

Yabba Awards Ceremony

The Annual YABBA Awards Ceremony was held at Scotch College Junior School November 14.

Yabba stands for Young Australians Best Book Awards, and is Victoria's only Children's Choice Award. Children select their own shortlist vote for the winners in three categories. Hundreds of schools throughout Victoria were involved. About 300 people attended the ceremony, including authors, illustrators, and students and teachers form state, catholic independent primary and secondary schools from all over Melbourne.

The audience was entertained by the Scotch College Junior School drum corps and also Andrew Yuen on the Xylophone. Storyteller June Barnes-Rowley gave a most interesting performance highlighting the history of stories in Australia.

The winners this year are:

• Picture book 'Buffy' by Bob Graham

• Younger Readers 'Just Crazy' by Andy Griffiths, Illustrations by Terry Denton

• Older readers 'Just Crazy' series by Emily Rodda

They all received citations.

Authors and illustrators in attendance were Duncan Ball ( the Selby Series), Andy Griffiths, Elizabeth Honey, John Marsden, Chris Milne, Leone Peguero, Joan Van Loon, Chantal Stewart and Cheryl Threadgold.

Students were able to speak with them and have their books signed in the gymnasium after the ceremony. Enormous queues formed, with Andy Griffiths being a favourite amongst all age groups.

A large number of our own boys were involved in the ceremony and were thrilled to meet their favourite authors. A great literacy feast!

Ms Alison Hindson.