It’s almost that time again – get ready to join us for the year’s biggest celebration of kid’s books and reading! We’re gearing up to share what we have in store for CBCA Book Week 2026 – the 80th anniversary of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards, the most highly respected literary award for children in Australia. StoryBox Hub will have all the goodies to help you and your young readers get to know the shortlisted titles, including dedicated resources, games and special activities, plus ALL the brilliant stories from the Early Childhood and Picture Book of the Year shortlist, and a stunning New Illustrator title. 

Our production team is working overtime with a fantastic cast of storytellers who will bring these stories to life – we can’t wait for you to meet these readers, both familiar faces and sparkly new additions to the Hub. 

As always, our crew here are deep in discussions about our favourites – but with so many amazing, diverse stories to choose from, we don’t envy the judges the extraordinarily tough job of choosing the winners! As the CBCA said of the notable longlist,

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.

From all of us here at StoryBox, we want to send a very big and warm congratulations to all the authors and illustrators whose works have been recognised as some of the most outstanding children’s books in the country. Take a look at the shortlisted stories we have coming your way between May and July 2026. And watch this space for more news and storyteller announcements shortly!

EARLY CHILDHOOD SHORTLIST

Derek

Written by Anne Donaldson

Illustrated by Matt Shanks

Derek is a fish with many questions.

Why is the universe round? Where do bubbles come from? Why does food rain down from above?

But the question Derek asks himself more than any other is: ‘Why am I alone?’

From new talent Anne Donaldson and bestselling illustrator Matt Shanks comes an adorable adventure about curiosity, courage and connection. 

My Nonno Loves

Written by Adelle Frittitta

Illustrated by Claudia Frittitta

This uplifting and gently funny ode to grandfathers celebrates everything they love … especially their grandchildren!

My nonno loves being in his garden, with a coffee in hand and songs in the air. But most of all, my nonno loves me!

A joyful picture book about what makes grandfathers special, what they love, and why we love them.

The Thing About Christmas

Written by Jo Dabrowski

Illustrated by Briony Stewart

There's no right or wrong, whatever you do – Christmas in your home is unique, just like you.

The Thing About Christmas is a warm and joyful picture book that reminds us of what really matters during the holiday season. Brimming with festive spirit, it celebrates love, togetherness and the magic of making the season your own – no matter how big or small.

Frogs Are Our Friends

Written by Toni D’Alia

Illustrated by Madeline White

Down in the garden,

away from the sun,

little green frog

is having some fun!

Frogs are our Friends invites readers into a stunning garden to admire the important work of one little frog.

The Colours of Home

Written and illustrated by Sally Soweol Han

When Bomi moves to a new country everything seems different except for the silver moon.

Making a faraway place feel like home isn't easy, but as she explores Bomi finds comfort in matching new with old. Soon she discovers the colours of home everywhere she looks.

The Emperor's Egg

Written and Illustrated by Rae Tan

‘I wonder what kind of creature will hatch,’ Ren says.

‘ tiger with wings!’ Pei says.

‘A dragon with gold teeth!’ Ping says.

‘Now, now,’ Papa says. ‘We'll just have to wait and see.’

Looking for a worthy successor to his throne, an ageing emperor gives all the children in his kingdom an egg. After thirty days, he will judge what each child delivers to him and choose his heir.

Ren brings his egg home and takes the best care of it. He reads to it, sings to it, sleeps with it and keeps it warm. Ren waits and waits, but his egg never hatches, while all around him wondrous hatchlings are emerging from other children's eggs.

In a hall full of magical creatures, how can Ren present his unhatched egg to the emperor?

PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR

The Frog’s First Song

Written by Jazz Money

Illustrated by Jason Phu

First, the world is all dark. A little bit muddled and confused.

The only sounds dripping water and small bubbles gurgling.

In that darkness and quiet, everyone is alone.

This is the world in the well.

And so begins the tale of how frogs came to croak in chorus at night-time. Inspired by Chinese parables and First Nations Creation stories, this debut picture book is a unique and melodic ode to taking chances, using your voice and coming together in song and dance, from award-winning Wiradjuri poet Jazz Money and four-time Archibald Prize finalist Jason Phu.

Bob and Dob

Written and illustrated by Sean E Avery

There was once a small bird called BOB.

BOB had a brother.

BOB’s brother was named DOB.

DOB enjoyed telling tales that got his brother BOB in trouble.

Because DOB was . . . a DOBBER.

A hilarious new take on tall tales and ‘crying wolf’ from the award-winning creator of Frank's Red Hat.

Once I Was a Giant

Written and Illustrated by Zeno Sworder

When a picture-book maker runs out of stories, his pencil decides it's time to tell her own...

‘My first memories were of darkness and reaching for sunlight. My roots connected me to everything. I was small but I was also the forest.’

Here is the story of a green giant and a small wanderer who formed a friendship that spanned lifetimes. From the award-winning author of My Strange Shrinking Parents comes a luminescent and hopeful tale about our living natural world.

Dear Broccoli

Written by Jo Dabrowski

Illustrated by Cate James

Dear Broccoli,

Last night at dinner you were on my plate. AGAIN. Please don't come back.

From,

Frank.

Dear Frank,

I am afraid I cannot grant your request. The matter is out of my florets.

Most respectful regards,

Broccoli

A deliciously funny picture book that is sure to make even the pickiest of eaters look at their dinner in a new light.

Dawn

Written and Illustrated by Marc Martin

As the sun slowly rises, many things happen in a small window of time. The world comes alive with the actions of animals, plants, clouds, and sky. A deer drinks, an owl wakes, a dandelion shimmers in the light. A ladybug climbs, a fish jumps, birds call in a chorus. Geese fly away in formation. A flower blooms. 

Beautifully illustrated with glowing imagery and written with a charming simplicity holding appeal for new readers, Marc Martin’s ode to the slow-blooming beauty of a sunrise and the life that unfolds in its radiance narrows the lens to show the wonder of time passing.

Tiwi in Paris

Written and Illustrated by Glen Farmer Illortaminni

My name is Glen Farmer Illortaminni and I'm telling my story. Once I went to Paris as an interpreter for the old fella, the famous artist named Timothy Cook. It was October ...

When Glen travels from his remote Tiwi Island home all the way to Paris, his trip takes an unexpected turn when he gets lost on his first night there.

What follows is an epic journey through famous French landmarks and into the homes of kind strangers, telling an incredible story of resilience, humour and home.

NEW ILLUSTRATOR

Beyond the Shore

Written by Kirli Saunders

Illustrated by Mark Chester Harding

It's safer on the edge, where we can walk with our feet on the floor ... but beyond the shore is a world that inspires awe. Will you dive in? 

Written by award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders (OAM), with art by debut picture book illustrator Mark Chester Harding, Beyond the Shore gently encourages young ones to step beyond fear into curiosity.