Magabala Books is incredibly proud to announce that on Thursday 9 September, Bindi by Kirli Saunders, illustrated by Dub Leffler, was announced as the winner of the Children’s Book Award at the Queensland Literary Awards.

‘I think those garrall, our spirit birds would be happy today, I think The Burringilling (our Old People/ Ancestors) would be too,’ said Kirli Saunders about the win. ‘To see Bindi, a book about caring for Country, a book made with family and community, by an Aboriginal team is deeply special.

 

‘Bindi is a verse novel that explores big topics like climate change, and catastrophic fire, but it’s also a book of hope. It’s my hope that it continues to reach many hands, and to celebrate our ways, our culture and our languages.

 

‘I’m so grateful to Dub, Grace, Rach and the Magabala team, and to the Elders, Custodians, family and friends who’ve been along for this journey – Didjarigura ngyini for Ngununggula with me (thank you for walking and working with me).’

 

This is the third award that Bindi has won, after taking out an ABIA for Smaller Publishers’ Children’s Book of the Year and the Daisy Utemorrah Award at the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards. Bindi was also shortlisted for a Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award. 

Illustrator Dub Leffler said: ‘A quiet thrill to share this award with Kirli. It was an honour helping to portray and share the world of Bindi with Australia.’

 

Magabala Books Publisher Rachel Bin Salleh said ‘we are so happy for Kirli and Dub. Bindi is the book the world needs right now. This gorgeous story was created by an all-First Nations team and is a testimony to the power of storytelling.’

 

Homecoming by Elfie Shiosaki and A Question of Colour by Pattie Lees and Adam C Lees were also shortlisted for Queensland Literary Awards.