SA Book Week: Riverland student's Book Week tribute to Magda crowned SA’s best for 2025
This Riverland student was on a mission to cheer up Magda Szubanski as she battles cancer – and her efforts have earned her the state’s Book Week parade MVP title.
A 10-year-old’s mission to cheer up cancer-battling Magda Szubanski has earned her the crown as South Australia and the NT’s best Book Week costume.
Annabella Wills from Waikerie won hearts and votes with her spot-on Sharon Strzelecki tribute, complete with a netball bib, wrist brace and signature orange bowl-cut.
It even caught the attention of the famous comedian, who delivered a special message from her hospital bed to the Riverland student on Sunday.
“I just wanted to say darling thank you so much for your impressionation,” said Szubanski of the costume in an Instagram video.
“I’m in here having chemo and it really cheered me up.
“I’m very touched and that was a beautiful thing to do, thank you my sweet.”
Her mum Rachel said she was over the moon at the shout-out which left the family “speechless”.
“Annabella had the biggest grin on her face,” she said.
“We were actually in tears to see Magda so vulnerable ... taking the time out of her treatment to record that message just blew us away.”
But the joy wasn’t over for Annabella just yet, with the young gun showered with hugs and high fives from her dance class mates at Berri’s Rosie Clarke School of Tap and Ballet when she found out the news.
Book Week is a huge affair for the Wills family with Annabella’s previous costumes including Wednesday Addams and Anne Boleyn.
“I don’t know how we’re going to top this ... but definitely the pressure is on for 2026.”
Rounding out the top three were Book Week parade stars George from Mount Gambier and Cayden from Flagstaff Hill.
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