In a tribute to one of Australia’s most loved children’s books, the Royal Australian Mint has launched its commemorative coin program to celebrate the 20th anniversary of beloved Australian children’s book ‘Where is the Green Sheep?’
The three-coin program includes a coloured 20 cent uncirculated coin available in both a presentation card and a special edition book, as well as a coloured gold-plated 20 cent coin with a deluxe edition book.
The Mint partners with the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) national Children’s Book Week® to help highlight the importance of reading to children during their early years, and the fun that can be had reading as they grow up.
Where is the Green Sheep? author, Mem Fox said she was delighted for her book to be featured on a coin.
“Where is the Green Sheep? The answer is… on a coin! What a thrill it is to have the green sheep hit such heights. I’m very grateful to everyone involved in creating the original book and madly grateful to the Mint for honouring the book so beautifully in its 20th anniversary year. Like a coin, I’m spinning!” Ms Fox said.
Where is the Green Sheep? illustrator Judy Horacek said having her sheep appear on a coin was quite a surprise.
“I would never have dreamed that a sheep of mine would one day be on a coin but here we are. It’s a great honour and an absolute delight. What a marvellous 20th birthday present for Where is the Green Sheep?,” Ms Horacek said.
The Mint’s product developer, Matthew Frawley said the release was the fourth in a series celebrating popular Australian children’s books and the joys of reading. The previous coin launches were Animalia in 2021, Diary of a Wombat in 2022 and Edward the Emu in 2023.
“Where is the Green Sheep? is one of those classic Aussie children’s books that are always on high rotation for any parent and youngster. Gorgeously teaching kids about opposites and even the concept of ‘where’, all wrapped up in Mem’s addictive prose and Judy’s riotous illustrations,” Mr Frawley said.
Children’s Book Council of Australia chair Jonathan Howard said it was pleasing to see the commemorative coin and book partnership with the Royal Australian Mint continue to flourish.
“The Mint is fundamentally aligned with the CBCA ethos of fostering culture, stories, language and literacy,” he said.
“Significantly, this year’s book choice was a winner in the 2005 CBCA Children’s Book Awards in the Early Childhood category and since this recognition the story has continued to be a huge favourite for parents, grandparents, teacher librarians and community librarians to share and enjoy with children and deserves to be in every Australian home.”
Registration for the EQL coin ballot opens at 8.30am on Wednesday, 14 August and closes at 8.30am on Thursday, 15 August. The draw will take place immediately following the ballot and successful entrants notified by email. To register for the ballot, visit the Mint at www.ramint.gov.au.
