Lui Sit's debut children's novel, Land of the Last Wildcat, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Children’s Wainwright Prize for Fiction. Sit is one of two East and Southeast Asian authors nominated, alongside Kengo Kurimoto for his graphic novel, Wildful.
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Sit, who was born in Hong Kong and moved to Perth at the age of three, draws on her experiences growing up in a predominantly white Australian neighborhood. She emphasizes in her writing the theme of a latchkey child with an absent parent, inspired by her own childhood in which she had significant freedom due to her parents' work schedules.
Throughout her life, Sit has been involved in environmental activism, working as a fundraising coordinator and campaigning against tree-logging. This passion for nature is reflected in her writing. Despite numerous moments of doubt about her writing path, Sit found encouragement through awards and mentorships, including winning the FAB Prize for fiction in 2022.
Her manuscript attracted the attention of literary agent Becky Bagnell, leading to its publication by Macmillan Children’s Books. Sit aims to craft stories that resonate on their own merit rather than focusing solely on her heritage.
Land of the Last Wildcat features elements of Sit's mixed-race identity while also addressing environmental themes. The targeted release date for the sequel, The Wildcat and the Gathering Storm, illustrated by David Dean, is set for September 10, 2026.
Sit's work contributes significantly to the representation of ESEA authors in children's literature within the UK, highlighting the need for a diverse range of voices. She expresses a newfound confidence in her writing, stating, 'Now I know I can write on my own terms and I’ve found my voice that lets me do it.'
She is currently crafting her next book, which will draw on her ethnic Chinese identity and Australian upbringing.