About KOALA

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KOALA is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers (teacher/librarians, public librarians, teachers, publishers and other supporters of children’s literature). Every year, young readers from all over New South Wales judge their very own literature awards. By voting in the KOALA awards they can reward the Australian children's books that have most inspired, amused, terrified, enlightened and engaged them.

KOALA AIMS TO

  • Promote and encourage the enjoyment and appreciation of Australian literature for children and young adults.

  • Involve young readers in NSW in the process of selecting the most popular books.

  • Assist in developing the Readers' critical appreciation skills.

  • Give recognition to Australian authors and illustrators.

BENEFITS OF KOALA

  • Gives students a voice regarding the books they love to read

  • Integrates easily into literature promotion programs

  • Involves students in the voting process, encouraging them to discuss and debate their views on literature

  • Supports other reading programs such as the NSW Premier's Reading Challenge

  • Provides students with the opportunity to meet their favourite authors and illustrators at the annual Awards Day

  • Offers schools the chance to win original artwork and book prizes.

JUST 4 EASY STEPS

Join

Schools, public libraries, organisations and individuals can become friends of KOALA.

School Membership

Public Library Network Membership

Nominate

Children are invited to nominate their favourite Australian books, first published in the last 10 years and not a previous KOALA winner*. A shortlist of 40 titles is drawn up from the nominations. (10 picture books, 10 titles for younger readers, 10 titles for older readers, and 10 fiction titles for readers in Years 7 to 9.) 

*Once five books from the same series have won a REAL Award (YABBA and KOALA), the series is no longer eligible for nomination.

Vote

Encourage students to read the books on the KOALA Shortlists and vote for their favourite titles. 

Celebrate

Winners, in the four categories, are announced at a special Awards Day. All KOALA members are invited to attend. If you can’t attend our spectacular ceremony you can still make a big announcement of the winners. We'll email to let you know the winners in each category and you can throw your own party.