I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in the world of children’s literature since the 1980s as a reviewer, academic, critic, and editor. And, since retiring from Hansard in 2006, I’ve been the author and illustrator of over 30 books. Along with my family, children’s literature has been my love and my passion, and so I was totally discombobulated to find out that I had been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to children’s literature in the Australian Honours Awards announced on Australia Day 2026.

Over the years I’ve been supported, encouraged and inspired by many wonderful organisations and talented people. This includes the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Marion Writers, the ACT Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge and the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature.

I’ve worked with amazing publishers, including Susan Hall and Lauren Smith at the National Library of Australia and Briana Melideo at CSIRO Publishing. I’ve been mentored by the one and only Emeritus Professor Belle Alderman AM, and I’ve had the ongoing support of many creative friends, but especially Tania McCartney, Cate Whittle and Irma Gold. They are all simply the best.

And, of course, nothing would be possible without my family – my husband John; my children Bianca, Erryn and Megan; my grandchildren Kai, Louie and Ava; and my sisters Felice and Fiona. They are my rocks! A big thank you to everyone who has been a part of my children’s literature journey. I couldn’t have done it without you!

Dr Stephanie Owen Reeder OAM