O’Loughlin wins inaugural MidnightSun Picture Book Prize

Penny O’Loughlin has won the inaugural MidnightSun Picture Book Prize for her manuscript The Battle of the Beast.

MidnightSun said The Battle of the Beast “impressed the judges with its quirky and fun take on the daily struggles experienced by many young people pursuing a love of music”.

MidnightSun publishing director Anna Solding said O’Loughlin’s manuscript “was just such a delight to read”. “MidnightSun is always looking for stories that are light-hearted and fun but also have a deeper meaning to share,” said Solding. “Penny’s story does exactly that, showing that we are all struggling with different things, but we don’t have to face obstacles alone.”

O’Loughlin’s winning entry was selected from a shortlist of four, which also included Ashling Kwok for ‘The Tinker’s Light’, Katy Rogers for ‘The Lost Thoughts’, and Linda Brucesmith for ‘An Excellent Hat’.

“The competition was fierce and the four shortlisted manuscripts were all terrific but, in the end, Penny’s manuscript stood out from the rest,” said Solding.

O’Loughlin said, “I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured that The Battle of the Beast has been chosen as the inaugural MidnightSun Publishing Picture Book Prize winner. I screamed so loudly when I received the news that my dog leapt into the air … and he has a mighty leap! I wanted to celebrate children who choose the hard thing because it brings them joy. This story is so close to my heart, and knowing it resonated with the judges means the world. I’m grateful, excited, and can’t wait for Veronica and her beast to find their place in readers’ hands.”

The prize, open to manuscripts by emerging or established Australian picture book writers, offers O’Loughlin a publishing contract with MidnightSun.

MidnightSun expects to publish the book in early 2028.

Submissions for next year’s prize will open in late 2026.

Category: Awards Local news