Diversity is more than a label. The right representation matters. And DANZ is creating essential change.

It is with great excitement and absolute pleasure that we launch into our third year of celebrating and spotlighting some of the very best diverse children’s literature available in Australia and New Zealand today. After a successful 2024 and 2025 with thanks to the generous support of The Copyright Agency, BookPeople Kids, Somerset Storyfest, James Bennett, SLANZA, and The ACLF, we are back and more determined and driven than ever to continue growing our amazing award, resources, and community.

Book Nominations are now open to publishers large, medium, and small, as well as self-published and hybrid authors alike, and close late August.

Before completing the nomination form, please review our criteria carefully. Both can be found on our website: www.thedanzchildrensbookaward.com

Once again there will be no entry fee. This is to ensure we remove as many barriers as we can and create a level playing field for all.

Following a thorough consideration process of each nominated title, children will again be welcomed as our esteemed judges. We believe no one is better placed to decide if a children’s book is entertaining than a child themselves. Judge applications are likely to open for a brief period in the coming weeks, so watch this space.

We are also delighted to let you know that the digital colour brochure of the 2024 longlist and price list, beautifully designed by BookPeople Kids, are now available to download via our website. The 2025 brochure will be available later this year.