General News
29 August, 2025
Book nominated for awards
A self published book that started as a personal project for a local couple, is now in the running for multiple awards.
This is Michael written by Dian Hammond and illustrated by Wyatt Hammond is an enigmatic and ambiguous picture book detailing the journey of a young boy struggling to find his place in a world full of contradiction.
The book has recently been nominated for ABLE’s Best Childrens Book, Best Book, and is in the running for people’s choice awards.
The ABLE Golden Book awards recognise excellence and impact in writing across various genres, honouring authors and publishers annually.
“I wrote the book in 2021. I write in a way that suggests people look at who they are and what they believe in, and what is important to them. It’s not a story per say, its just merely a suggestion, and people feel about it however they feel about it,” Ms Hammond said.
“I have had about half a dozen theories given to me, as what people think the book is about. Different endings mean different things to different people.”
Ms Hammond said there have been numerous reactions and interpretations from all ages since the book was released.
“We have been to markets and book fairs at Clunes a couple of times. We have a podium with the book on display for people to read. Young children come along to read it. I heard a young boy read it out one day, and it really moved me because he followed the poetry,” she said.
“He properly pronounced the poetic words within it. That is the most important thing about it to me, the reactions we get from people. Books are designed to be read, not closeted.
“I had an English teacher come to me and say ‘I need to see the book my students have been reading, because I gave them a poetry project. They aren’t just writing poetry, they are writing in verse apparently, they got it from the book.”
To put the book together, her partner Mr Hammond taught himself how to paint the images that were used for the book.
“He did all of the illustrations for me. It took him a long time, but it doesn’t matter, he gave me what I wanted people to visualise, and now he is a flourishing artist, he loves his art now,” Ms Hammond said.
The book’s minimalist cover was also a deliberate choice by the pair.
“You’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover. I didn’t want to lead people under a particular direction,” Ms Hammond said.
“I didn’t want to try and interpret what people’s expectations should be. We wanted a texture cover so people could feel it too.”
Regardless, Ms Hammond said the book reflects her own personal experiences.
“The book is about my life, I can remember back to when I was little and I loved everything. Insects, spiders, birds, worms, anything. I adored them. I adored the trees,” she said.
“I was one of those people that would tell the boys off for standing on a snail. The older I got, the more closed off I became, and the more alone I felt because of that. The world still didn’t seem to feel the same way as I did. I developed severe social anxiety, which I still struggle with.
“But the book has opened a door for me, there are people out there that do feel the way I feel.”
Winners will be announced on October 18, 2025.
“Whether it wins an award or makes me a lot of money, it’s done me a lot of good. If people get something out of it, I am thrilled,” Ms Hammond said.
A limited number of copies of the book are available at The Maryborough Advertiser for free.
Voting closes August 31.
Votes can be submitted at www.authorexpo.com.au/pca-nominate