Puzzles, codes, and the inside story

The search for Australia’s best children’s picture book is on! Vote now and every day until 5 February for your favourite from 50 of the best, as chosen by Guardian readers. The deputy culture editor, Sian Cain, speaks to author Graeme Base about how he wrote his bestselling and beloved books Animalia and The Eleventh Hour, and why he set out to challenge curious kids