Mullins to be awarded 2012 Dromkeen Medal

19 March 2013 Books+Publishing

Children’s book author and illustrator Patricia Mullins will be awarded the 2012 Dromkeen Medal at the State Library of Victoria (SLV) on 20 March.

Mullins is the author and illustrator of more than 20 children’s books, including Hattie and the Fox, written by Mem Fox, and V for Vanishing (both Scholastic). Her most recent book is Lightning Jack, written by Glenda Millard (Scholastic).

SLV CEO and state librarian Sue Roberts said in a statement that Mullins is ‘an outstanding recipient’ of the Dromkeen Medal. ‘Patricia’s work is tangible evidence of her talent and represents a major contribution to Australian children’s literature,’ said Roberts. ‘Her illustrations have brought text alive, engaging readers both young and old.’

Roberts said that Mullins has been involved with Dromkeen for 40 years and the SLV has recently acquired the original artwork from Only a Donkey (written by Celeste Waters, Puffin) to preserve and exhibit at the library.

The Dromkeen Medal is presented annually ‘to an Australian citizen for a significant contribution to the appreciation and development of children’s literature in Australia’. Recent winners of the medal include Libby Gleeson (2011) and Shaun Tan (2010).

As previously reported by Books+Publishing, the Dromkeen Medal is now presented by the SLV after the Dromkeen National Centre for Picture Book Art collection was transferred to the SLV by Scholastic Australia, as trustees of the Dromkeen Foundation, in 2012. The collection is now known as Scholastic Dromkeen Children’s Literature Collection.

Category: Local news