The Children's Book Council of Australia

Host Mia Henderson and young reader Ruby discuss The Paperbark Tree Committee with author Karys McEwen.

The Paperbark Tree Committee is Shortlisted for the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year Awards for Younger Readers.

Listen now at the Shadow Judging website: https://shadowjudging.cbca.org.au/

This podcast was made possible by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Host Poppy Holden and young reader Bonnie discuss Of Flame and Fury with author Mikayla Bridge.

Of Flame and Fury is Shortlisted for the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year Awards for Older Readers.

Listen now at the Shadow Judging website: https://shadowjudging.cbca.org.au/

This podcast was made possible by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund

The Children’s Book Council of Australia remembers Victorian writer Lorraine Marwood who recently passed away.

Ceceile Shanahan writes: Lorraine’s works were remembrances; paying tribute to and honouring moments in time, place and circumstance. Her characters changed and grew just as each period of history or culturally significant event portrayed in her books shifted and reshaped the world in era defining ways.

There was often heartache and grief in her books and sometimes anger and frustration too. There was always love and hope and friendship and change … universal emotions and concepts, which Lorraine brought to her young readers in a timeless, beautiful manner.

It may be time for Leave Taking (noun: the act of saying goodbye) but not forgetting. Lorraine – a dedicated mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, mentor, teacher, poet, author, gardener and giver – will be remembered through her words and deeds forever.

Read the full tribute on our website: https://cbca.org.au/vale-lorraine-marwood/

We’ve had our say 📚 CBCA’s submission to the Australia's National Cultural Policy champions the power of reading in children’s lives and the communities that make it happen.

Our core position is clear: a strong reading culture in childhood underpins lifelong cultural participation, creative engagement and social connection.

📘 Building a national reading culture through shared experiences
📙 Supporting access to books and participation
📗 Connecting children with stories beyond the page
📕 Sustaining Australian children’s literature and creators

For over 80 years, the CBCA has championed Australian children’s literature and fostered a love of reading through Book Week, the Book of the Year Awards, Shadow Judging, and a national network of programs and partnerships.

Read our full submission on our website: https://bit.ly/3RmEbhD

Justine Power is the very worthy recipient of the 2026 Laurie Copping Award. Her service and significant contribution to children’s literature in the ACT has been passionate, prolific and profound.

The Laurie Copping Award for Distinguished Service to Australian Children’s Literature celebrates individuals and organisations whose sustained commitment has made an outstanding contribution to children’s literature in the ACT and beyond.

Read the full citation ➡ https://bit.ly/4wA3QU5

'When I write books, I see them in pictures. So I imagined what it would be like if you slid down into a disgusting sewer.' – Sally 🕳😮

Host Mia and young reader Wilbur discuss Something Terrible: Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces with author Sally Barton. This book is Shortlisted for the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year Awards for Younger Readers.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or at the Shadow Judging website: https://shadowjudging.cbca.org.au/

This podcast was made possible by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

'It really made me reflect on the effect of trauma on one's life and how grief can be like expressed in different forms. And it was really beautiful to see how that growth was expressed through the book.' – Kara

Host Poppy and young reader Kara discuss Golden with author Jade Timms. Golden is Shortlisted for the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year Awards for Older Readers.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or at the Shadow Judging website: https://shadowjudging.cbca.org.au/

This podcast was made possible by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Host Poppy and young reader Talin discuss Darkest Night, Brightest Star with author Barry Jonsberg.

Darkest Night, Brightest Star was shortlisted in this year's CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers.

Listen now at the Shadow Judging website: https://shadowjudging.cbca.org.au/

This podcast was made possible by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.