CBCA 2026 Book of the Year: Early Childhood Shortlist Bundle

CBCA BOOK WEEK: AUGUST 22-28 2026

Theme: Symphony of Stories!

Early Childhood
Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for children who are at pre-reading or early stages of reading. Ages 0-6 years.

This bundle includes the following Shortlisted Books:

• The Colours of Home - Sally Soweol Han (Thames and Hudson Australia)
• Derek - Anne Donaldson, illustrated by Matt Shanks (Little Hare)
• The Emperor’s Egg - Rae Tan (Lothian Children’s Books)
• Frogs Are Our Friends - Toni D’Alia, Madeline White (Bright Light)
• My Nonno Loves - Adelle Frittitta, illustrated by Claudia Frittitta (Little Hare) 
• The Thing About Christmas - Jo Dabrowski, illustrated by Briony Stewart (Little Book Press)