The Children's Book Council of Australia Story

The Children's Book Council of Australia, also fondly known nationwide as the CBCA, is a not for profit, volunteer-run national organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians through the celebration of story. As part of this work, the CBCA presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature. These awards launch a week-long celebration of Australian books and reading across Australia with Children's Book Week®

Established in 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia was founded at a time when Australian children’s books were few, and Australian authors and illustrators were virtually unknown. In 1946 the CBCA established annual book awards to promote books of high literary and artistic quality. These awards are now the most influential and highly respected in Australia.

The 2024 Children's Book Week® theme "Reading is Magic", illustrated by Jess Racklyeft 

Each year, across Australia, the CBCA brings children and books together celebrating Children's Book Week®. Throughout the year, the CBCA works in partnership with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers and other organisations in the children’s book world to bring words, images and stories into the hearts and minds of children and adults.

The CBCA is made up of state branches, that work to promote literature and literacy in their state. The branches handle membership enquiries and undertake their own state specialised reading programs and activities that are supported by the National body.

Find your state branch details

To assist with the funding of national reading programs and activities, the CBCA produces a range of promotional items, including stickers for publishers to place on winning and honour books, and support materials for teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians. The range is always evolving and growing. This is also the only site where you can acquire authorised products to use in your own Children's Book Week® celebrations including

It is through your generous support and patronage that we are able to provide the Book Of the Year Awards, The Sun Project: Shadow Judging Program, and the generational memory maker; Children's Book Week®

From everyone at the CBCA, we say "Thank you!".