Each year, Speech Pathology Australia awards three Australian authors the “Best Book for Language Development” in the categories – Young Children, Lower Primary and Upper Primary.  

Each award is based on the book’s appeal to children, interactive quality and ability to assist speech pathologists and parents in communication and literacy development.

The intention of Speech Pathology Australia’s Book of the Year Awards is to:

• Enhance people’s awareness of the role speech pathologists play in literacy development.
• Gradually develop a nationally recognised pool of books that speech pathologists can recommend for the development of oral language and speech and/or sound awareness.
• Promote the Association with the Book of the Year Awards ceremony.

 Criteria used to judge books

 Previous Winners

Hall of Fame Children's Language and Literature Award

A Hall of Fame award - ‘Children’s Language and Literature Award’ may also be presented if there is an outstanding candidate nominated; one who has made a significant and sustained contribution to Australian children’s language and literature.

Speech Pathology Australia is calling for members to nominate any children’s author who satisfies all the eligibility criteria listed below and who you feel would be worthy of such recognition.

• The author must be Australian or reside permanently in Australia
• The author must have published a significant number of books for children over a 10-year period or more
• The books published by this author are, or have been, readily available in Australia
• The books published by this author currently retail, or would have sold for no more than $30.00
• The books published by this author must facilitate interaction and communication
• The books published by this author have quality graphics, design and production

Nominations will be reviewed against criteria developed by members of the Public Affairs portfolio. A panel of judges will determine the award recipient using these criteria.  

Book of the Year Awards 2009

Book of the Year Awards 2008

Book of the Year Awards 2007

Book of the Year Awards 2006

Book of the Year Awards 2005

Book of the Year Awards 2004

Book of the Year Awards 2003