ABC Radio Interview

17th July 2019

Trevor Chappell interviewed Amanda Cooper on Wednesday 17th July, 2019 on his ABC Overnight Program. To listen to Mandy’s interview, click on the link below.

NOTE: Mandy’s Interview is 38 minutes in to the program.

Mandy in her role as a judge with the Book Council of Australia, discusses how they short list the books for the Annual Awards. There were 121 books in the Early Childhood Book Category, for which she is one of 3 judges, then has to be brought down to a notable list of 20 then to a short list of 6.

She says its vital to be aware of the target audience and make sure the book is something the children actually engage with. One of the criteria is “How effective is the author in getting the message across to the audience of children?”

For Mandy’s category, Early Childhood (0 -6 years of age) design and illustration are key features of the books she judges.

To read more about Trevor Chappell:
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/people/trevor-chappell/7347210