Magabala Books is excited to announce that three Magabala titles have been longlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs). Alfred's War by Rachel Bin Salleh – illustrated by Samantha Fry – and Black Cockatoo by Carl Merrison and Hakea – illustrated by Dub Leffler – are among nine titles longlisted for the Small Publishers' Children's Book of the Year category. Alison Whittaker's second poetry collection, Blakwork is one of eight titles longlisted for the Small Publishers' Adult Book of the Year.

The ABIAs showcase the collaborative efforts of publishers, editors, illustrators, marketers, designers, and authors in bringing quality books to Australian and international markets. The ABIA Academy – a group of more than 250 publishers, booksellers, agents, media and industry representatives – voted for selected books published in 2018 across 12 categories.

A shortlist will be released on Thursday April 11, with the winners announced at the publishing industry's night of nights on Thursday 2 May. The red carpet event will be held at Sydney's International Convention Centre and hosted by writer, musician and radio broadcaster, Casey Bennetto. To view the full longlist, visit the ABIA website.

Magabala congratulates our authors and illustrators, Rachel, Sam, Carl, Hakea, Dub and Alison on this wonderful accolade.