12 Mar Best Australian Children’s Books for 2026: CBCA Notables List Revealed
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has released its 2026 Notables list, highlighting the best Australian children’s books published in 2025. From picture books to teen fiction, these standout titles celebrate storytelling that inspires young readers.
The annual Notables list is the longlist of standout books published in 2025, highlighting the stories, illustrations and ideas that captured the attention of the CBCA judging panel this year.
From exciting new voices to well-loved creators, the 2026 list showcases the breadth of Australia’s children’s publishing industry — from major publishing houses to independent presses — and the talented writers and illustrators bringing these stories to life.
“The 2026 Notable books stand as a testament to the creative spirit and commitment of the authors, illustrators and publishers who inspire, challenge and delight through their art,” said CBCA Awards Co-Convenors Marissa Caluzzi and Alex Wharton.
“Each title struck a chord with our judges through its craft, authenticity and emotional resonance. Stories are more than words on a page — they are bridges between generations, windows into new ways of seeing, and reflections of who we are and who we hope to become.”
A big year for Australian children’s publishing
For the 2026 awards, 736 entries were assessed by 15 expert judges, representing 166 publishers and nearly 800 creators from across Australia.
The final Notables list features 122 books from 36 publishers, written by 119 authors and illustrated by 73 artists.
These titles are recognised across six award categories, including:
Early Childhood
Picture Book of the Year
Younger Readers
Older Readers
Eve Pownall Award
Together, the categories reflect the CBCA’s ongoing mission to promote high-quality Australian literature for young readers of all ages and abilities.
‘Symphony of Stories’
The CBCA’s 2026 theme, “Symphony of Stories”, is strongly reflected across the Notables list.
Many of the selected books explore the natural world, diverse storytelling styles and authentic young voices, highlighting the rich variety of stories being written and illustrated for Australian children today.
(Download the full 2026 CBCA Notables list here 2026_CBCA-Book-of-the-Year_Notables.)
