This year, The CBCA is celebrating eighty years of the Book of the Year Awards! The awards honour the best of Australian children's literature, for readers from ages 0-18 years. The Notables for 2026 have been announced, celebrating over a hundred titles across five awards.
The CBCA said of this year's notable books: 'From playful absurdity and laugh-out-loud humour to stories that explore grief, resilience, belonging and identity, these books meet young readers where they are – and invite them to think, feel and imagine more deeply. Family, friendship and intergenerational connection feature strongly, alongside powerful explorations of culture, Country and place. Environmental awareness, self-expression and the courage to find one’s voice resonate across the list.'
Picture Book of the Year
The best Australian picture books of the year! View the full collection here.
Book of the Year for Early Childhood
Picture and board books for kids aged 0-6. Find the full collection here.
Book of the Year for Younger Readers
Remarkable junior and middle grade books; discover the full collection here.
Book of the Year Older Readers
The best young adult novels of the year! Explore the full collection here.
The Eve Pownall Award
The CBCA award for children's nonfiction; view the notable titles here.
The 2026 shortlists will be announced on 31 March, and the winners on 21 August. Keep an eye on our blog for updates, or find more information on the awards here.
