This document provides information on several books being considered for the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books. It summarizes each book's topic, intended audience, notable features, and suggestions for further educational use. Examples include a book about how babies are made that balances education and humor, a biography of WWII spy Nancy Wake, and a book detailing Australia's multicultural military history during WWI. Educational resources are also referenced for expanding classroom learning beyond the books.

1. Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
Pre-Book Week Extravaganza 2016

2. Criteria
This award is given to outstanding books which aim to
document factual material. Consideration is given to
imaginative presentation, interpretation and variation of
style, specifically:
•style of language and presentation;
•graphic excellence;
•clarity, appropriateness and aesthetic appeal of illustration;
•integration of text, graphics and illustration to engage
interest and enhance understanding;
•overall design of the book
•accuracy

3. The amazing true story of how babies are made
by Fiona Katauskas (ABC Books, Harper Collins)

4. The amazing true story of how babies are made
• Written and illustrated by
political cartoonist Fiona
Katauskas.
• A perfect balance between fact
and humour.
• Aimed at children heading into
puberty
• Includes multiple births, IVF
and caesarean births
• Essential for all parenting
collections

5. The amazing true story of how babies are made
One of her key aims was to include recent developments in fertility and
birth, such as the increasing prevalence of sperm donation, egg
donation and IVF technology.

6. The white mouse: the story of Nancy Wake
by Peter Gouldthorpe (Scholastic)

7. The white mouse: the story of Nancy Wake
• Peter Gouldthorpe. Previous CBCA awards, honour
book for Queenie, 2007, Lyrebird, 2013 and Ice,
wind, rock: Mawson in Antarctica, 2014
• Nancy Wake, the most decorated Australian woman
in WWII
• Nurse, reporter, member of the French resistance
and spy
• Engaging artwork. Styles and colours fit the time
period
• Fast paced story
• Recommended for 10 years +

8. The white mouse: the story of Nancy Wake
Taking it further:
•English – discussion of graphic novels, presenting non-fiction
•History – timelines, female heroes
•Creative arts – using similar artistic techniques, using colours
related to a specific decade
•Teaching resource for Stage 3 & 4
resource.scholastic.com.au/resourcefiles/8383093_40685.pdf

9. Lennie the legend: Solo to Sydney by pony
by Stephanie Owen Reeder (NLA)

10. Lennie the legend: Solo to Sydney by pony
• Stephanie Reeder – awards
with Lost and Amazing Grace
• Based on a true story 1932
• Story supported by images
from the NLA
• Story reads as a narrative
• Age 7-14

11. Lennie the legend
Taking it further:
•At the end of each chapter of Lennie’s adventures, there is
separate material providing information on related historical
topics.
•English – looking at the social context of a text.
•What is a hero?
•History – using Primary and Secondary sources (Trove).
- investigate the opening of the Sydney Harbour
bridge further
Teachers resources
www.stephanieowenreeder.com/teachers-notes

12. Phasmid: saving the Lord Howe stick insect
by Rohan Cleave & Coral Tulloch (CSIRO)

13. Phasmid: saving the Lord Howe stick insect
• How a species, thought to be
extinct, was rediscovered
• Author: Zoo keeper at
Melbourne Zoo
• Story in three parts
1. From the view of the phasmid
2. In third person, with further
detail
3. Fact file and glossary

14. Phasmid: saving the Lord Howe stick insect
Taking it further:
•Science: Life cycles
•Geography: Habitat
Human impact on the environment
Conservation
Teachers resources
http://www.publish.csiro.au/pid/7226.htm

15. Phasmid: saving the Lord Howe stick insect
Further resources
• Film: award winning animated short film ‘Sticky’
https://vimeo.com/76647062
• Video: real life video of a Lord Howe Island Phasmid
emerging from its egg https://vimeo.com/14413689
• Book: Wilkinson R (2014) Return of the Phasmid. Media
Dynamics, Australia
• Live animals and display: Lord Howe Island Phasmid display
at Melbourne Zoo
http://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/animals/lord-howe-island-
stick-insect

16. Ancestry: stories of multicultural Anzacs
by Robyn Siers and Carlie Walker (Aust. War Memorial)

17. Ancestry: stories of multicultural Anzacs
• Part of the War Memorial’s ‘Century of Service’ series
• Author Robyn Siers – curator at the War Memorial
• The story of individuals and families from a range of cultural
backgrounds, who served in WWI
• Information includes why they or their family migrated, war
service and post war lives.
• Suitable for 15 years - adult

18. Ancestry: stories of multicultural Anzacs
Taking it further:
•Excellent for Stage 4 History, looking at the Australian
experience in WWI
•Questions and further information throughout the text
Teachers resources
•Anzac portal http://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/teachers/curriculum

19. We are the rebels: the women and men who made
Eureka by Clare Wright (Text Publishing)

20. We are the rebels: the women and men who made Eureka
• Concise edition of the Stella Prize winning The forgotten
rebels of Eureka
• Vivid picture of everyday life for both men AND women on the
Victorian gold fields
• Short chapters, brisk pace, quotes from journals and letters
• Suitable for 15 years + and adults

21. We are the rebels: the women and men who made Eureka
Taking it further:
? Senior Australian history commences at 1901
•Excellent teacher background for a study of the gold rush in
Stage 3
Teachers resources
https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/we-are-the-rebels

22. NOTABLE: Australian kids through the years
by Tania McCarney and Andrew Joyner (NLA)

23. • A perfect match for Stage One History units, Continuity & Change
Teachers notes available
Changing food, fashion, work and lifestyle
Ages: 4-8 years
Australian kids through the years

24. NOTABLE: Green tree frogs
by Sandra Kendell (Windy Hollow Books)

25. Green tree frogs
• Reads as a picture book
• Rhyme, simple sentences and few pages
• Bright, engaging illustrations
• Stage One Science: Life cycles
Teachers resources
• lamontbooks.com.au/media/34794/green-tree-frogs.pdf

26. NOTABLE: Anzac sons: five brothers on the Western
front by Allison Marlow Paterson (Big Sky Publishing)

27. Anzac Sons
• Sourced from 500 letters and postcards found in a suitcase
• A personal look at life on the Western Front
• Includes factual information covering major battles, photos,
letters, postcards and telegrams
• Excellent for Stage 4 History
• Ideal for discussion and reflection on Anzac Day and
Remembrance Day for Stage 2-4
Teachers resources:
www.redgumbookclub.com.au