Lester awarded 2016 Dromkeen Medal

Children’s book author Alison Lester has been awarded the 2016 Dromkeen Medal at a presentation at the State Library of Victoria (SLV).

Lester is the author and illustrator of numerous children’s books, including Magic Beach (A&U), Imagine (A&U), Are We There Yet? (Viking) and Sophie Scott Goes South (Viking). She was the inaugural Australian Children’s Laureate in 2012-13, along with Boori Monty Pryor.

SLV CEO Kate Torney described Lester as ‘a tireless advocate for children’s literacy and promoter of the joy of reading’. ‘Alison’s books have introduced a generation of children to their first words and set them on grand adventures before bedtime. She is a very worthy recipient of this prestigious award,’ said Torney.

The Dromkeen Medal is presented annually to an Australian citizen for a ‘significant contribution to the appreciation and development of children’s literature in Australia’. Last year’s winner was Andy Griffiths.

SLV also presented this year’s Dromkeen Librarian’s Award to Sarah Steed, senior manager of content and engagement for Libraries ACT. Steed has worked for more than 20 years in children and youth services in library services in the ACT and NSW. During this time she established the Book Start for Babies program and introduced the Nestle Write around Australia program in Canberra.

Pictured: Sarah Steed and Alison Lester (Source: SLV)

Category: Junior Local news