Celebrate Book Week 2026 with a Symphony of Stories
Published on 11 August 2026
Children's Book Week 2026 is set to be a vibrant celebration of imagination, creativity and reading, with this year's Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) theme, "Symphony of Stories."
The theme artwork has been created by the talented Briony Stewart, award-winning author and illustrator of Gymnastica Fantastica and many other beloved children's books. Her colourful illustration captures a magical world where characters burst from the pages of books, each bringing their own unique story and wonderful musical instrument.
"I decided to try and show what stepping into a symphony of stories might be like. A huge colourful collection of characters bursting out of a book representing their different stories with weird and wonderful instruments."
– Briony Stewart
It's Showtime
Celebrate book week with Carp Productions in a lively, interactive performance inspired by the 2026 shortlisted books. Packed with storytelling, music, laughter and imagination, this fun-filled event brings favourite stories to life and is perfect for children aged 4–10 and their families. Come dressed up and enjoy a fabulous show.
- Westall Library
- Sunday 23 August
- 3pm to 3:45pm
Book your spot
Dress up and celebrate
Join a Storytime session during book week dressed as your favourite character and help us celebrate the wonderful imaginations of authors and illustrators.
Discover the 2026 CBCA Shortlisted Books
The 2026 CBCA Shortlist showcases outstanding Australian books for young readers.
Of Flame and Fury, Mikayla Bridge
Darkest Night, Brightest Star, Barry Jonsberg
This Stays Between Us, Margot McGovern
We Saw What You Started, Carla Salmon
Golden, Jade Timms
Unhallowed Halls, Lili Wilkinson
Run, Sarah Armstrong
Something Terrible: Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces, Sally Barton, illustrated by Christopher Nielsen
Little Bones, Sandy Bigna
Spirit of the Crocodile, Aaron Fa’aoso & Michelle Scott Tucker with Lyn White
The Paperbark Tree Committee, Karys McEwen
Inked, Karen Wasson, illustrated by Jake A Minton
The Thing About Christmas, Jo Dabrowski, illustrated by Briony Stewart
Derek, Anne Donaldson, illustrated by Matt Shanks
Frogs Are Our Friends, Toni D’Alia, Madeline White
My Nonno Loves, Adelle Frittitta, illustrated by Claudia Frittitta
The Colours of Home, Sally Soweol Han
The Emperor’s Egg, Rae Tan
Bob and Dob, Sean E Avery
Tiwi in Paris, Glen Farmer Illortaminni
Dear Broccoli, Cate James, text by Jo Dabrowski
Dawn, Marc Martin
The Frog’s First Song, Jason Phu, text by Jazz Money
Once I was a Giant, Zeno Sworder
There’s a Prawn in Parliament House: The Kids’ Guide to Australia’s Amazing Democracy, Annabel Crabb, illustrated by First Dog on the Moon
A Loo of One’s Own, Eleri Harris
Peculiar Parents, Stephanie Owen Reeder, illustrated by Ingrid Bartkowiak
The Thylacine and the Time Machine, Renée Treml
Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles, Corey Tutt, Ben Williams
Ningaloo, Tim Winton, illustrated by Cindy Lane
Save the Gum Trees, Bees and Big Blue Seas, Luke John Matthew Arnold
Beyond the Shore, Mark Chester Harding, text by Kirli Saunders
A Loo of One’s Own, Eleri Harris
Prayer for a River, Uncle Glenn Loughrey, text by Andrew Kelly & Uncle Glenn Loughrey
A Farm by the Sea, Jillian Packer
Being Indy, Estee Sarsfield, text by Zoe Gaetjens
Enjoy a great book, dress up as your favourite character, experience the magic of a live show, and celebrate Children's Book Week with us!