Penguin Books Australia

Julie Watts worked for eighteen years as a publisher of books for children and young adults at Penguin, and in that time worked with top authors and illustrators including Paul Jennings, Morris Gleitzman, Sonya Hartnett, Melina Marchetta, Margaret Wild, Pamela Allen and Graeme Base. One of her last successes for Penguin was Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin and its sister picture book, The Peasant Prince illustrated by Anne Spudvilas.

 Julie is one of the longest-serving publishers in the country and was awarded the Dromkeen Medal for services to children's literature in 2001 and the Pixie O'Harris Award for Distinguished and Dedicated Service to the Development and Reputation of Australian Children's Books.