Every year the Federation of Children’s Book Group (FCBG) host an award entirely judged by children. Across the country children first narrow nominees down to Top 50 Pick of the Year. From here, 10 finalists are selected that cover three categories – Younger Children, Younger Readers and Older Readers – and then countrywide voting opens! Since beginning in 1981, the FCBG Children’s Book Award has recognised both big name authors alongside newer and less well known ones and it will again 2025!

Hannah Gold is a finalist in the Younger Readers category with her most recent title Turtle Moon.

She has very kindly answered some questions for us about her book…

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What drew you to writing about turtles in particular for this book? Did you always know that turtles would feature in one of your books?

The titular animal of my next book always comes through on the current book I’m writing. So, when I was finishing off Finding Bear, my mind kept turning to turtles for some reason. Then a friend of mine, who had moved to Nicaragua (which is next door to Costa Rica) told me the story of how this huge sea turtle had come to nest on the beach right next to where she was sitting – that’s when I knew I had to write this book.

What experiences and/or research was involved in bringing this story to life?

Many years ago, I spent about a year in Costa Rica teaching English as a foreign language. It was my first time living overseas and such formative time for me. I had never seen such a beautiful place in all my place – so green, so fertile, so full of wildlife. I didn’t see any turtles alas, but I did see sloths. During the editing phase, a contact from Costa Rica helped me add the authentic touches to the story.

Why do you think this title will draw in student readers?

I always think children’s book should be entertaining to read. If they’re boring and preachy, then no matter how well-intentioned the story is, it’s not going to grab attention. With Turtle Moon, my primary goal was to create a real, page-turning adventure set in a rainforest featuring a relatable cast of characters. In terms of classroom discussions, it would be great to see students talk about the importance of conservation, the role of wildlife sanctuaries and just how amazing sea turtles are!

How long did it take to write?

About a year. I had a lot of promo tours during the drafting so the writing was quite on and off. The shape of the book never changed, but my editor, who is amazing, really drilled down onto each beat of the story and every single sentence. It was quite tough at times, but all worth it.

Do you think Silver would read this book? Why/why not?

I think so – after climbing a few trees! After all, her dad writes books for a living, and in the story, it’s suggested that this is the book that he wrote for her – a true jungle adventure!

What do you hope readers will take from your story?

There’s lots of messages for readers of all ages, but the main one is that life is an adventure. Protect it, conserve it, be grateful for it but most of all live it fully.

What conversations do you hope it elicits?

Turtle conservation, opportunities to go volunteer in wildlife sanctuaries, the miracle of life. And then in families where secondary infertility is an issue, an understanding that life can still be beautiful even if it doesn’t work out the way you want.

Levi’s covers and illustrations for all your books are magnificent – how much are you involved in their creation?

Not an awful lot if I am honest! Like all illustrators, he works directly with the art designer at the publishing house. He is so incredible that I trust him completely anyway. I honestly think he is the best in the business and I feel so lucky to have his art grace my books. I get to see rough drafts and might offer a tiny bit of feedback – but it’s nothing more than cosmetic stuff, i.e., Dad not wearing his glasses or something tiny like that.

Who was the most difficult character to write and why?

Silver’s mother as it would have been really easy to allow my story to become her story. But I was very conscious that it was a children’s book and that we needed to inhabit the action from Silver’s perspective. Creating that distance helped bring Mum to life and it was then easier to make her fully dimensional in her own right.

Your proudest part of Turtle Moon?

All of it. I feel like it’s my most polished and accomplished book yet and I love how it speaks to both adults and children. I’m delighted with the early feedback who seem to agree with me!