Libraries ACT is celebrating Canberra author Dr Stephanie Owen Reeder OAM, whose book Peculiar Parents has been shortlisted for the 2026 Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Children's Book of the Year Awards. Illustrated by Ingrid Bartkowiak, the engaging non-fiction picture book explores the fascinating, surprising and often peculiar parenting habits of native Australian animals.
All about Peculiar Parents
The inspiration for Peculiar Parents emerged while Stephanie was researching her earlier book, Sensational Australian Animals. As she uncovered interesting facts about Australian wildlife, she began collecting stories about how animals find mates and raise their young, eventually transforming that research into a book for young readers.
“Peculiar Parents explores the weird, wonderful and sometimes very peculiar world of native Australian animal families,” Stephanie said. “When I’m researching a book, I often find the seeds of my next book buried amongst the fabulous facts that I uncover.”
The book introduces readers to more than 60 Australian species and their unique family behaviours. Among Stephanie’s favourite facts are the peacock spider, whose elaborate dance may determine whether it wins a mate or becomes a meal, the palm cockatoo, which creates a drumstick from a branch and performs rhythmic displays to attract a lifelong partner, and the surprisingly nurturing saltwater crocodile mother, which carefully tends her nest and protects her hatchlings.
Book, libraries and telling stories
A former librarian, secondary school teacher, university lecturer and Hansard Editor, Stephanie has written more than 30 books for children and adults. Her work has received numerous accolades, including the CBCA Book of the Year Award, the New South Wales Premier’s History Award and an Order of Australia Medal for services to children’s literature.
Stephanie is also a passionate advocate for reading and lifelong learning, and credits libraries with playing an important role throughout her life and career.
“As a child, the school library was my safe place and my portal to other worlds,” Stephanie shared. Today, libraries continue to play a crucial role in her research, helping her uncover the stories and historical details that bring her books to life.
Stephanie believes nonfiction has a unique ability to spark curiosity when it combines strong storytelling with appealing visual design. “Apart from a well-researched and engagingly written text, the two most important things in any nonfiction book are appealing and informative illustrations, and great book design that entices the reader into the book and holds their interest until the end,” she said.
Celebrating Children's Book Week
With Children's Book Week approaching, Stephanie has also shared some fun costume ideas inspired by her books. Young readers could dress for different weather conditions featured in Australia’s Wild Weird Wonderful Weather, create a simple ghost costume inspired by Ghostie, or bring historical characters to life from Courageous Kids and Their Amazing Adventures.
“A popular activity during Children’s Book Week is dressing up, and books can be a great source of inspiration,” Stephanie said, suggesting costumes ranging from raincoats and gumboots to tutus, ghost costumes and historical attire.
Reflecting on life in Canberra and writing
This year also marks Stephanie’s 50th year living in Canberra, a city she says has shaped both her personal and professional life.
“Canberra has provided everything I’ve needed to live a rich and fulfilling life,” she said. “I love Canberra’s bush setting, its wildlife, its cultural institutions, its many bookshops, its great cafes and restaurants, and its sense of community.”
Reflecting on the challenges of becoming an author, Stephanie offered encouragement to aspiring writers. “This book went to three publishers before it finally found a home with the wonderful NLA Publishing. So the message to budding authors is, never give up!”
Despite having more than 30 books to her name, Stephanie said writing for children remains one of the most rewarding and demanding forms of writing.
“In many ways writing for children is harder than writing for adults. For a start, you are writing for two audiences – children and the adults who buy the books,” she said.
Stephanie is currently working on several new projects, including House Party, a creative non-fiction picture book scheduled for publication in 2027 to commemorate the centenary of the opening of Old Parliament House.
Libraries ACT congratulates Stephanie on her CBCA shortlist success and looks forward to seeing more readers discover Peculiar Parents and her many other books through the library collection.
