CBCA Children's Book Week 2026
Symphony of Stories ♫
Since 1945 the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has brought children and books together across Australia by celebrating Children's Book Week. During this joyous, special week schools, public libraries, bookshops and families across Australia celebrate books and the Australian children's authors and illustrators that create them.
2026 is a milestone year as we celebrate 80 years of the CBCA Book of the Year Awards. For eight decades, CBCA has been dedicated to inspiring young minds to journey through the countless worlds that books offer and this year's theme of 'Symphony of Stories' shares a musical approach.
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The artwork for 2026 has been created by talented and award-winning illustrator Briony Stewart, who has brilliantly captured the theme's musical appeal with gorgeous characters taking part in an amazingly diverse orchestra.
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'I decided to try and show what stepping into a symphony of stories might be like. A huge colourful collection of characters bursting out of a book representing their different stories with weird and wonderful instruments.’ – Briony Stewart
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Join the CBCA SA in 2026 as we celebrate 80 years of bringing children, books and CBCA awards together. ​
2026 Diary Dates
Some important dates for your 2026 diary.
More will be added as they become available.
Tuesday 24 February
2026 Book of the Year Awards Notables List Announced
Wednesday 25 March
2026 CBCA SA AGM Burnside Library 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Tuesday 31 March
2026 Book of the Year Awards Shortlist Announced​
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Thursday 16 April
South Australian Teen/YA Author Event – Unley Library 6pm – 8pm
Friday 14 August
2026 CBCA SA Branch Book Week Dinner Kent Town Hotel
Friday 21 August
CBCA 2026 Winners and Honour Awards Announced
Shadow Judging Choice Awards Announced
Friday 22 - 28 August
CBCA Children's Book Week 2026
Congratulations to our South Australian 2026 CBCA Notable Recipients!
Older Readers
Tenderly, I Am Devoured - Lyndall Clipstone, Penguin Random House Australia
The Locked Room - Adam Cece, Penguin Random House Australia
This Stays Between Us - Margot McGovern, Penguin Random House Australia
Early Childhood
Derek - Anne Donaldson & Matt Shanks, Little Hare
Going Fishing With Nana - Frances Haji-Ali, Lindsay Haji-Ali
& Karen Briggs (SA Illustrator), Magabala Books
Eve Pownall
Diary of a Marine Biologist - Anita Thomas & Sarah Wilkins, Walker Books Australia
The Great Shark Egg Case Hunt - Kasey Whitelaw
Sylvia Morris (SA Illustrator), CSIRO Publishing
2026 Premier's Reading Challenge
​In 2025 CBCA SA joined forces with the Premier’s Reading Challenge to promote our shared passion – encouraging South Australian children to read more books and develop their love of reading. We hope to continue this valuable partnership in 2026
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The Premier’s Reading Challenge is an amazing program that reaches children all over South Australia. It supports them to find books they love and helps them to uncover a love of reading.
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Visit the Premier’s Reading Challenge website to sign your school up for this year's challenge, or explore their excellent reading related resources for parents and teachers.
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CBCA SA Thanks Our Valued Sponsors and Partners for their Support of Children's Literature
