Picture Books:

1. Bapa’s Last Canoe by Maree McCarthy Yoelu and illustrated by Samantha Campbell (Nee Fry) (Magabala Books)
2. The Boab Tree written and illustrated by Helen Milroy (Fremantle Press)
3. The Colours of Home written and illustrated by Sally Soweol Han (Thames & Hudson Australia)

Chapter Books:

1. Ava Spark: Hello I’m Here by Alex Field and illustrated by Joanna Bartel (New Frontier Publishing)
2. Sunny and Shadow written and illustrated by Helen Milroy (Fremantle Press)
3. Violet and the Velvets: The Case of the Angry Ghost by Rachael King and illustrated by Phoebe Morris (Allen & Unwin Aotearoa)

Middle Grade:

1. The Haunting of Hindmarsh Hall by Kate Gordon (Riveted Press)
2. Legend of the Lighthouse Moon by Helen Edwards (Riveted Press)
3. Wurrtoo by Tylissa Elisara and illustrated by Dylan Finney (Hachette Australia)

Congratulations to all of the authors, illustrators, publishing teams, and families behind the creation of these wonderful books. Our young judges can be a tough crowd to please, so well done to you all!

Our 2026 Awards Ceremony will take place at the stunning Global Change Institute at the University of Queensland in St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland on Saturday, 25 July from 6pm to 8pm. With a complimentary drink, delicious nibbles, and goody bags, it will be a joyful event to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and children’s literature. Bookings are essential.

The ASLA DANZ Children’s Book Award 2026 Ceremony Tickets, Global Change Institute, Brisbane | TryBooking Australia