Ishan’s book, titled Four Hungry Chooks, was awarded second place in the Year 8 Picture Book category, in which entrants had to create a picture book using original photographs or illustrations. He received his award at a presentation ceremony, hosted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, at the Fremantle Children’s Literature Centre recently.

In his acceptance speech, Ishan explained the inspiration behind his creative book of photographs. “After weeks of looking after the chooks – feeding them and watching them all together – I had the idea for my story. I would write a book about a boy and his fussy fighting, but finally happy chooks, who are now good friends.”

The judges described his book as “a delightful story”, “well written and humorous”. They said: “there is plenty to smile about as the book explores the issue of coexistence in the hen house.”

Ishan said he was very surprised when his teacher-librarian Helen Knight told him he had won second place. “I really didn’t think I would win a place,” he said. Four Hungry Chooks is currently on display at ‘The Place’ in the Alexander Library where it is being used in workshops with visiting school groups.

The annual ‘create you own story book’ assignment is part of the Year 8 English assessment. Mrs Knight and senior teacher librarian Greg Lindorff teach Year 7 and 8 English classes for one period a week as part of an Integrated Programme between the Library and English Department.