Voting is officially open in a major new poll launched by Guardian Australia, aiming to crown the country's best children's picture book of all time. This exciting initiative follows a similar format to the popular Bird of the Year competition, engaging readers in a daily voting process to celebrate beloved Australian literary works.
How the Guardian's Picture Book Poll Operates
The poll features a diverse shortlist of 50 Australian picture books, curated from over 3,000 submissions by Guardian readers in December. This selection spans publications from 1973 to 2022, ensuring a rich mix of timeless classics and contemporary favourites.
Key Details for Voters
Starting from Tuesday, participants can cast one vote per day for their preferred picture book. The competition employs an elimination system, with the five books receiving the fewest votes being removed each day. Vote tallies are reset daily at 9.30am Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), so consistent daily voting is crucial to keep favoured books in contention.
Notable Titles in the Running
Among the standout books on the shortlist are well-known classics such as Possum Magic, Who Sank the Boat?, and Animalia, alongside more recent popular hits like The Very Cranky Bear and Pig the Pug. Other notable inclusions range from Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge to This Small Blue Dot, showcasing the breadth of Australian children's literature.
Poll Timeline and Final Announcement
The final round of voting for the top 10 books will commence at 9.30am AEDT on Wednesday, 4th February. During this phase, vote counts will no longer be visible to the public. The poll will close at 9.30am AEDT on Thursday, 5th February, with the book accumulating the most votes being declared the champion. The winner will be revealed at 6am AEDT on Friday, 6th February.
Guardian Australia encourages all book lovers to participate in this daily voting event to help determine which picture book will be celebrated as the ultimate Australian classic for children.
