Hobsons Bay author claims top children’s book prize

After her book entertained students from across the country earlier in the year, Hobsons Bay’s Deborah Frenkel has been recognised with one of Australia’s top children’s literary awards. 

Frenkel’s heart-warming story, The Truck Cat, was announced as the picture book of the year winner as part of the 2025 Children’s Book of the Year awards last week. 

The Children’s Book Council of Australia shortlists a collection of books across six categories for the awards, with winners announced to coincide with Children’s Book Week. 

It has been a big few months for Frenkel, with her book also selected for this year’s national simultaneous storytime event, with millions of children across the country taking part. 

Locally, Frenkel’s story was brought to life through a theatrical performance of the national simultaneous storytime event. 

The Truck Cat, authored by Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell, follows the journey of a cat and its truck driver owner, touching on themes of community and belonging. 

“As an author of picture books, you rarely get to see kids experiencing your stories, the thought that millions of children from around Australia will be reading the book, simultaneously – that's mind blowing,” Frenkel told Hobsons Bay Community News in the lead up to national simultaneous storytime.