The 2026 Australian Book Industry Awards were presented on Thursday 21 May, showcasing the range of Australian publishing in the last 12 months.
Book of the Year
Once I was a Giant by Zeno Sworder
Audiobook of the Year
Mad Mabel, Sally Hepworth; narrated by Hannah Fredericksen and Jenny Seedsman
Biography Book of the Year
Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks
Book of the Year for Older Children (ages 13+)
Wandering Wild by Lynette Noni
Book of the Year for Younger Children (ages 7–12)
Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles by Corey Tutt, illustrated by Ben Williams
Children’s Picture Book of the Year (ages 0–6)
Once I was a Giant by Zeno Sworder
General Fiction Book of the Year
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
General Non-fiction Book of the Year
The Mushroom Tapes, Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein
Illustrated Book of the Year
The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do you believe in love? by Natalie King and Iwantja Arts
International Book of the Year
Heart the Lover by Lily King
Literary Fiction Book of the Year
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Small Publishers’ Adult Book of the Year
The Rot by Evelyn Araluen
Small Publishers’ Children’s Book of the Year
Sundays Under the Lemon Tree by Julia Busuttil Nishimura, illustrated by Myo Yim
Social Impact Book of the Year
A Piece of Red Cloth by Leonie Norrington, Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, Djawa Burarrwanga and Djawundil Maymuru
The Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year (for an author’s first book, regardless of genre)
Melaleuca by Angie Faye Martin
Related posts
Stella Prize 2026
Ockham Award 2026
Pulitzer Prize 2026
