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CBCA SA is celebrating 80 Years of CBCA Book of the Year Awards in 2026.
The Children's Book Council of Australia SA Branch is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the CBCA Book of the Year Awards in 2026.
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This celebration recognises eight decades of Australian children’s literature and the enduring contribution of Australian authors, illustrators, educators, and libraries to young readers across Australia.
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After celebrating its 80th birthday in 2025 CBCA SA will continue to promote quality Australian children's literature, inspiring a love of reading, and bringing children and books together.​
Make sure you sign up as a CBCA SA member to be a part of this milestone year and help us to promote children's literature far and wide.
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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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During the year CBCA SA will be offering secondary schools who are completing the challenge with additional support via the Shadow Judging Program - contact us for more information and how to register.
Congratulations to 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 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
CBCA SA Thanks Our Valued Sponsors and Partners for their Support of Children's Literature
