18 Aug Australian children’s books in the spotlight for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards

From picture books celebrating Country to magical adventures, verse novels and confronting stories for teenagers, ten books for children and young adults have made the shortlist for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards

For families, teachers, librarians and anyone interested in Australian children’s literature, the Children’s Literature and Young Adult Literature categories are well worth a look.

The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards are Australia’s richest annual literary prizes. This year, 673 entries were received across six categories, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and Australian history, as well as books for children and young adults. Winners will be announced at the National Library of Australia in Canberra on Thursday 10 September 2026.

Children’s Literature shortlist

Bored – Felicita Sala

A picture book about something most parents hear sooner or later: “I’m bored.” Rita is convinced there is absolutely nothing to do, until her imagination begins to turn boredom into something much more interesting. It is a playful reminder of the value of unstructured time and imagination, aimed at younger readers.

Little Bones – Sandy Bigna

Written as a verse novel for readers aged around 9–12, Little Bones follows 11-year-old Bones, who collects animal skeletons and has withdrawn from her friends after an accident. When she accidentally brings the skeleton of a baby bird back to life, an unusual friendship begins. It is a story about grief, connection and learning how to say goodbye.

Rain on the Rock – Jodi Toering, illustrated by Valerie Brumby

This striking picture book celebrates Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa and the transformation of the landscape when rain falls. Told in harmony with Aṉangu connection to Country, it follows waterfalls, plants and animals coming to life after rain in the desert. Valerie Brumby is the illustrator named on the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards shortlist.

Song of a Thousand Seas – Zana Fraillon

A lyrical verse novel for readers aged around 9–12, this is the story of Houdini, an octopus living in an aquarium who longs to return to the sea. Her connection with a young visitor, Juno, opens up questions about friendship, freedom, home and animals in captivity.

The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe – Karen Foxlee, illustrated by Martina Heiduczek

For readers who like fantasy and adventure, Karen Foxlee’s novel begins with an abandoned girl and quickly moves aboard a magical, cursed pirate ship. Lavender finds herself among an extraordinary crew of children racing to recover a stolen treasure before the ship’s curse turns them all to sand.

Young Adult Literature shortlist

The YA list moves into more complex territory, with books exploring grief, mental health, relationships, violence and questions of identity and belonging.

Blood Moon Bride – Demet Divaroren

A fantasy novel with a strong social justice theme, Blood Moon Bride follows 15-year-old Rehya, who lives in a society where girls are forced into marriage during the annual Blood Moon. Rehya must decide whether to submit to the system or rebel against it. Recommended for older teens, the story explores power, resistance and forced marriage.

Drift – Pip Harry

Fourteen-year-old Nate has returned to Australia and is struggling with a new school and changes at home. His neighbour Luna is dealing with anxiety after a video of her goes viral. Told in verse, Drift explores friendship, belonging, anxiety and the sometimes difficult business of finding your place as a teenager.

The Edge of Everything – Miranda Luby

Lucy is trying to make sense of life after the sudden death of her brother when a rare and endangered bird crashes into her bedroom window. Caring for the bird leads her to a wildlife sanctuary, a new friendship and a chance to begin dealing with her grief. The novel combines loss and romance with a strong connection to the natural world.

The Foal in the Wire – Robbie Coburn

Another novel in verse, this is a raw story about a teenage boy living on a farm and struggling with trauma, depression and family difficulties. When Sam rescues an injured foal caught in barbed wire, caring for the animal — and meeting a girl from a neighbouring property — begins to change his life. It deals with some difficult themes, so is best suited to mature teen readers.

This Stays Between Us – Margot McGovern

For teenagers who enjoy horror, this novel sends four girls on a school retreat to an abandoned town supposedly haunted by the ghost of Smiling Jack. A séance is, perhaps unsurprisingly, not a good idea. Beneath the horror story are themes of friendship, relationships, secrets and growing up.

Why these awards matter

The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards have included dedicated Children’s and Young Adult categories since 2010. Each category winner receives $80,000 tax-free, while shortlisted creators can receive $5,000, making the awards significant not just as recognition but as practical support for Australian writers and illustrators.

Writing Australia director Wenona Byrne said this year’s shortlist showed the breadth and quality of Australian writing and congratulated the writers, illustrators and judges involved.

For parents and teachers, though, the shortlist also works as a useful reading list — from imaginative picture books for younger children to thought-provoking novels for older teens.

The winners of the 2026 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards will be announced on Thursday 10 September.

Here’s the list of links for the ten shortlisted children’s and YA titles.

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