We at JdM are absolutely delighted and extraordinarily proud to see so many of our creators recognised in The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) 2026 Notables, with one or more JdM books recognised in each category!
From CBCA: “This year marks eight decades of championing the very best in Australian children’s literature through the CBCA Book of the Year Awards. The Children’s Book Council of Australia received 736 entries for the 2025 Book of the Year Awards. Publishers entered 223 titles in the Picture Book category, 181 in Younger Readers, 144 in Early Childhood, 77 in the Eve Pownall Award, 73 in Older Readers, and 38 in the New Illustrator Award.
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.”
The JdM creators on the 2026 Notables are;
Older Readers
— This Stays Between Us, by Margot McGovern (Penguin Random House Australia)
Younger Readers
— Little Bones, by Sandy Bigna, illustrated by Tamlyn Teow (University of Queensland Press)
— Spirit of the Crocodile by Aaron Fa’Aoso & Michelle Scott Tucker with Lyn White (Allen & Unwin)
Early Childhood
— The Thing About Christmas by Jo Dabrowski, illustrated by Briony Stewart (Little Book Press)
— Where the River Runs Free by Vikki Conley, illustrated by Jedda Robaard (Windy Hollow Books)
Picture Book of the Year
— The Thing About Christmas, illustrated Briony Stewart, text by Jo Dabrowski (Little Book Press)
Eve Pownall Award
— Volcano by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft (Allen & Unwin)
— World of Colour by Jess Racklyeft (Affirm Press)
Congratulations, one and all! And remember;
• Shortlist announced: Tuesday 31 March 2026
• Winners & Honour books announced: Friday 24 August
