No Words and The Happiest Boy on Earth are 2023 CBCA Notables!
We’re proud to announce that No Words by Maryam Master and The Happiest Boy on Earth by Eddie Jaku, illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom, are 2023 CBCA Notables.
No Words has been nominated for Book of the Year, Younger Readers, and The Happiest Boy on Earth has been nominated for the Eve Pownall Award.
This adds to the growing list of accolades for The Happiest Boy on Earth, already shortlisted for the Dymocks Book of the Year for Younger Readers. And hopefully just the start for No Words by Maryam Master.
Best of luck to all books nominated, with the shortlist announced Tuesday, 28 March.
About the Awards
Since 1945 the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has grown from a small Sydney-based group to a national organisation which exerts a profound influence on children’s books. The advocacy role played by the CBCA promotes the literary experience for children and assures the scope and vitality of children’s books. The annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards affirm the quality of some of Australia’s most creative people and provide a boost to their capacity to devote time to their craft.
About the Books
No Words by Maryam Master
Hero doesn’t feel like a hero, but sometimes she feels as if the universe is asking her to be one.
When Aria, a mysterious boy who never EVER speaks, starts at school and is picked on by His Royal Thug-ness Doofus (Rufus), Hero and her bestie Jaz feel compelled to help. But they’re far too chicken to actually do anything heroic, so they befriend Aria and try to uncover the truth about him.
This is the story of a 12-year-old refugee who’s trying to establish a new life in Australia, grapple with his past and, most importantly, find his voice.
‘Cos, boy, does he have a story to tell.
The Happiest Boy on Earth by Eddie Jaku, illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom
Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.
Eddie lived with his family and adorable dachshund, Lulu, in the beautiful city of Leipzig in Germany. But one day, into the sunshine of his childhood crept a dark, heavy cloud. Not a rain cloud. Much worse than that. Adolf Hitler came to power.
When Eddie was 18, he was sent to a concentration camp.
A picture book adaptation for older readers (8+ years) based on the extraordinary, the bestselling adult title THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH.
The story is framed as a conversation between 101-year-old Eddie and his great grandchildren – who are bursting with questions about the life of their Pépé.
The story of Eddie’s life unfolds beautifully, sensitively, heartbreakingly through his words, and exquisite illustrations by Nathaniel Eckstrom.