Grandma’s Sandals Named a Finalist in the 2026 International Book Awards

18 June, 2026

I’m absolutely thrilled to share some very exciting news: Grandma’s Sandals has been named a Finalist in the 2026 International Book Awards! 🏆

The book received this wonderful recognition in the Children’s Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction category.

Now in its 17th year, the International Book Awards are presented by American Book Fest and recognise books from across the publishing industry, including mainstream, independent and self-published titles. The 2026 awards attracted thousands of entries from authors and publishers around the world, with winners and finalists selected across more than 100 categories.

To see Grandma’s Sandals, published through my little independent imprint Winterpaw Books, recognised amongst this international field is incredibly exciting and something I’m very proud of.

Grandma’s Sandals was inspired by my experiences teaching migrant and refugee children in an Intensive English Centre in Perth. Through Long’s story, I wanted to explore what it can feel like for a child to arrive in a new country while carrying the memories, language, culture and people of another home close to their heart.

At its core, it is a story about belonging, connection and discovering that finding your place somewhere new doesn’t mean letting go of where you came from.

This recognition also belongs to the wonderful Ana Rodic, whose beautiful illustrations brought Long’s two worlds to life with such warmth, emotion and sensitivity.

I’m enormously grateful to the International Book Awards for recognising Grandma’s Sandals, and to everyone who has read, shared, reviewed and supported this little book on its journey.

From one small story inspired by the children in my classroom to an International Book Awards Finalist... what a lovely journey it has been. ❤️

Grandma’s Sandals - 2026 International Book Awards Finalist

Children’s Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction