28/05/2026
Got a bookworm in your life aged 9-13? Sign them up to be a judge of the Children’s Book of the Year awards.
For the first time, we’re hosting a shadow judging team to vote on Australia’s best kids books of 2026.
Children’s literature champion and library staff member Cecile Shanahan will lead the group through four meet ups at the Bendigo Library over two months as they delve into six short-listed titles, including the graphic novel, Inked.
“It’ll be like a little book party each time we meet,” Cecile says.
“The titles are a really good representation of what’s on offer in Australian literature right now. But they’re also subjective choices, and we’ll be talking about how we all relate to stories in different ways.
“We’ll be showing that all opinions are valued and valid. And we’ll go behind the scenes to look at how awards are judged.
“It’s also a chance for kids to meet like-minded others who want to extend their reading.”
Cecile says when the award winners are announced during Book Week, the local experts will know their votes counted.
Most of all, this former secondary school teacher is just itching to have some fun.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the classroom and I’m just so excited to get back to talking to children about children’s books … it’s my favourite thing to do,” she says.
Sign your young readers up today - link in comments 👇🏼
With thanks to The Children's Book Council of Australia
