2021 CBCA Shortlist New Illustrator Award announced….

And the winner is…This Small Blue Dot by Zeno Sworder!

I read this book when it was released last year and I knew that it was a special book. I predicted that it would be nominated for CBCA Book Week and am thrilled that it won CBCA 2021 Book of the year: New Illustrator! The story takes us into the world of a little girl (who happens to be Zeno’s daughter) and she is explaining this wide big world to her new sibling.

The illustrations are stunning – there is so much to discuss with students about how the illustrations tell the story, as well as the techniques used. The main character in the book is in a shaded grey/black colour while the the rest of the book is vivid in colour posing a stark contrast. There is one double page with just large block lettered words that jump out of the page and another page where it is all dark, then light coming in the door to a beautiful sunrise or sunset.

I love the multicultural aspect of the book and the fact that it touches on caring for this small blue dot. ‘This Small Blue Dot’ is very popular in our junior school library and we can’t wait for Zeno’s next book!

Virtual author visit

I highly recommend booking a virtual author visit with Zeno. Students were blown away by his talent, creativity and passion for his craft. We got to see how he creates his illustrations, his tools and work room. He inspired us all and reminded students that to be good at something, it takes daily practice and hardwork! https://www.zenosworder.com/school-visits