The Children's Book Council of Australia

Don’t miss the chance to sign up for a free trial to explore all of Story Box Library’s Book Week resources 👇

Celebrate Book Week with the Symphony of Stories - sign up for a free 30-day trial to access shortlisted stories and downloadable CBCA Book Week resources.

Your trial also unlocks:
- A digital library of hundreds of celebrated books, stories and storytellers
- A free StoryBox Library app, so stories travel with you
- Read-Along support, including closed captioning and adjustable playback speed

Connect. Engage. Inspire. Educate. Explore the Symphony of Stories today!

https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01hL3J0

HAPPY CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK! 💫 🎶 📚

We’re delighted to celebrate the joy of reading and stories with children and their grown ups all across Australia.

Tell us (or show us) what you’re reading in the comments and what makes it so wonderful.

Be sure to visit your local CBCA Branch to discover local events and activities!

Congratulations to Stephanie Owen Reeder and Ingrid Bartkowiak, winners of the 2026 Eve Pownall Award for Peculiar Parents!

The judges were particularly impressed by the depth and quality of its research, engaging text and outstanding design. Informative, accessible and richly illustrated, Peculiar Parents extends young readers' understanding of the world while showcasing the very best of Australian non-fiction.

A Loo of One's Own by Eleri Harris is a 2026 CBCA Honour Book in the Eve Pownall category.

History, democracy, feminism and humour come together in this inventive and engaging non-fiction title. The judges praised its 'inventive approach to historical storytelling' and its ability to be both thought-provoking and entertaining 🚽

Run by Sarah Armstrong is a 2026 CBCA Honour Book in the Younger Readers category.

This gripping adventure invites readers to consider big questions and difficult choices. The judges praised its ability to 'encourage the reader to use critical thinking and wonder, "What would I do?"' A compelling and thought-provoking story for young readers.

A Loo of One's Own by Eleri Harris is the winner of the 2026 CBCA New Illustrator Award 🎨

Judges praised Eleri Harris's 'confident line, palette and composition' and celebrated the book's witty, energetic illustrations that bring history to life.

Congratulations to Renée Treml, whose The Thylacine and the Time Machine has been selected by Shadow Judges as the 2026 Eve Pownall winner.

Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles by Corey Tutt and Ben Williams is a 2026 CBCA Honour Book in the Eve Pownall category 🐊

Combining science, conservation and First Nations knowledge in a visually engaging format, this standout title inspires curiosity and discovery. As the judges noted, it offers 'an innovative approach to extending awareness across multiple subject areas' while the 'high-quality illustrations make even the deadliest reptiles captivating.'

Congratulations to Cate James and Jo Dabrowski, whose playful and clever picture book Dear Broccoli was voted the 2026 Shadow Judging Picture Book winner 🥦

Bob and Dob by Sean E Avery is a 2026 CBCA Honour Book in the Picture Book category.

Full of humour, imagination and clever visual storytelling, this book delights readers of all ages. The judges noted that ‘Sean Avery doesn't waste a word’ and praised the dynamic design that takes the story to another level.