Julie Vivas first picture book, The Tram to Bondi Beach (written by Libby Hathorn), was Highly Commended in the 1982 Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year Awards.

However it is for her illustrations in the beloved Australian classic Possum Magic, written by Mem Fox, that she has become most well known.

This book was Highly Commended at the 1984 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Awards. In 1990 The Very Best of Friends, Julie's first picture book with Margaret Wild, won this particular award.

Julie has since been short-listed for this award several times. In 1992 she was awarded the Dromkeen Medal for her significant contribution to children's literature.