Karen Comer’s debut middle-grade verse novel, Sunshine on Vinegar Street (Allen & Unwin) has won the $15,000 Children’s Book Award at the 2024 Queensland Literary Awards!

Supported by the Talbot Foundation, this win follows on from Karen’s YA debut verse-novel Grace Notes (Hachette) snapping up a win in the Older Readers category at The Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards this year too.

Judge’s comments about Sunshine were delightful; ‘Comer’s story demonstrates a precise understanding of that difficult crossover period in a child’s life – being twelve years old. This heartfelt verse novel utilises a unique lexicon of poetic and everyday language as we follow Freya on her quest for acceptance and friendship. It is tightly plotted, lively and always engaging.’

Congratulations, Karen – and to all the winners and shortlisted creators!