About the CBCA

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.

An illustrated seahorse floats in a cloudy sky carrying three small happy children. The figures accompany text that reads Children's Book Week nineteen to twenty five August "Read, Grow, Inspire"

The 2023 Children's Book Week® theme "Read, Grow, Inspire", illustrated by Matt Ottley  

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!".

Shadow Judging 2023

Our Sun Project: Shadow Judging is an exciting invitation to young voices from groups across Australia to join the conversation about our annual Shortlist and choose their own winners.

Learn more
  • Book of the Year logo

    CBCA Book of the Year Awards

    Our industry recongnised annual awards for the recognition of excellence in Australian children's literature are announced on the third Friday of August.

    Friday, 18 August 2023 
  • Children's Book Week logo

    Children's Book Week®

    This cross-generation memory making August event is celebrated country wide, in schools, libraries, childcare, bookstores, and everywhere books are cherished.

    19 to 26 August 2023 
  • Shadow Judging logo

    Sun Project: Shadowers' Choice Awards

    We close Children's Book Week® with voices of our younger readers and their response to this year's literary offerings.

    Friday, 26 August 2023 
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