The much-anticipated 2026 Australian Book Industry Awards were presented on Thursday 21 May at a star-studded event in Sydney. Featuring some of the biggest names in the Australian book industry, this year’s shortlists and winners were a showcase of established luminaries and emerging talents.

The 25 winners were selected by an experienced cohort of highly-respected publishers, booksellers, agents and media and industry representatives, with winning titles presenting a significant contribution to their respective genre or category.

The ABIA 2026 winning titles are: 

Book of the Year 

Once I was a Giant, Zeno Sworder (Thames & Hudson Australia)

Zeno Sworder and Thames & Hudson Australia have skillfully produced a picture book that transcends age, extending the idea of what picture books are and who they are for.

Audiobook awards 

Audiobook of the Year  

Mad Mabel, Sally Hepworth; narrated by Hannah Fredericksen and Jenny Seedsman (Macmillan Australia Audio, Pan Macmillan Australia)

Pan Macmillan’s strategic casting was highly commended by the judges, with the exceptional dual-narration of Fredericksen and Seedsman perfectly complementing the book’s structure.

Australian production preserved authenticity in accent, setting and cultural nuance, while high-quality sound recording elevated the listening experience.

Book awards 

Biography Book of the Year   

Memorial Days, Geraldine Brooks (Hachette Australia)

Memorial Days was seamlessly published across multiple markets, with accessibility at the forefront.
Judges praised Hachette Australia for their exceptional commitment to care, trust and the author’s emotional safety, achieved through close collaboration with Brooks and resulting in this brilliant memoir.

Book of the Year for Older Children (ages 13+)  

Wandering Wild, Lynette Noni (Penguin, Penguin Random House)

Penguin Random House Australia successfully guided Lynette Noni into a new genre through an expertly crafted publication and promotional strategy. The publisher effectively leveraged the author’s loyal fanbase, maximising opportunities across social and digital channels to deepen engagement and expand reach. Judges praised the strong sales result within a competitive commercial YA landscape.

Book of the Year for Younger Children (ages 7–12)  

Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles, Corey Tutt, illustrated by Ben Williams (Allen & Unwin)

A groundbreaking work on many levels, Allen & Unwin embraced the complexities of publishing this title with exceptional care and ambition. Judges commended the attention to detail in the design and production values, while highlighting the work as an important contribution to First Nations knowledge. Supported by a multi-dimensional marketing campaign, the title reached its sales targets through meaningful engagement with booksellers, readers and the education sector.

Children’s Picture Book of the Year (ages 0–6)   

Once I was a Giant, Zeno Sworder (Thames & Hudson Australia)

Thames & Hudson Australia took extraordinary consideration in shaping the production of Once I was a Giant. Excelling across every metric, the title delivered strong sales, widespread multi-channel support and fantastic foreign rights success – reflecting the publisher’s deep commitment to both the book and its author from the outset.

 General Fiction Book of the Year  

Mad Mabel, Sally Hepworth (Macmillan, Pan Macmillan Australia)

Mad Mabel was a standout title. Judges were impressed with how Pan Macmillan Australia elevated Hepworth’s distinctive brand with innovative marketing and bold retail partnerships. These factors translated into outstanding sales results, with the title outperforming the broader fiction market.

General Non-fiction Book of the Year  

The Mushroom Tapes, Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein (Text Publishing)

The judges were thoroughly impressed by the achievement at hand. Facilitating collaboration between three busy, award winning Australian authors, whilst also ensuring editorial accuracy AND publicity buzz in just six weeks. Text Publishing executed their tightest ever timeline, successfully bringing the book to market and exceeding sales expectations in all formats.

Illustrated Book of the Year  

The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do you believe in love?, Natalie King and Iwantja Arts (Thames & Hudson)

An accessible, joyful title, connecting Australia with the rest of the world through the artist’s commentary on pop idols.

Thames & Hudson utilised strategic partnerships with artist advocacy-led businesses to bring the book directly to consumers. From rapturous critical acclaim to excellent sales performance, this title continues its streak of successes as the ABIA Illustrated Book of the Year.

International Book of the Year  

Heart the Lover, Lily King (Canongate)

Judges praised this impressive breakthrough, recognising Allen & Unwin’s success in bringing Heart the Lover to new audiences.

Through a targeted marketing campaign and strong bookseller advocacy, this title emerged as one of the defining books of the summer, striking the rare balance between literary and mass market appeal.

Literary Fiction Book of the Year 

Wild Dark Shore, Charlotte McConaghy (Penguin, Penguin Random House Australia)

Judges were impressed with the collaborative editorial process underpinning Wild Dark Shore and the ambition of Penguin Random House Australia. The publisher took care to broaden McConaghy’s existing readership, with early advocacy laying the groundwork for a strong sales, marketing and publicity campaign emphasising McConaghy’s rightful position in the Australian literary canon.

Small Publishers’ Adult Book of the Year  

The Rot, Evelyn Araluen (University of Queensland Press)

In the eyes of the judges, The Rot is “not just a poetry book” but an outstanding showcase of new ways of writing. Selling nearly 5000 copies since its November release, and driven by strong bookseller support, national events and critical acclaim, The Rot is a commercial and cultural success story.

Small Publishers’ Children’s Book of the Year  

Sundays Under the Lemon Tree, Julia Busuttil Nishimura, illustrated by Myo Yim (Scribble, Scribe)

Judges highlighted the great consideration given to Busuttil Nishimura’s audience, her heritage, and the overall content, resulting in this beautifully designed and produced picture book. Scribble achieved great sales results, with support both from key retail channels and partnerships outside of traditional print and digital media. 

Social Impact Book of the Year  

A Piece of Red Cloth, Leonie Norrington, Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, Djawa Burarrwanga and Djawundil Maymuru (Allen & Unwin)

 A Piece of Red Cloth is a powerful example of collaboration and cultural integrity in publishing and demonstrates the impact of truth-telling through literature. 

Representing a groundbreaking approach to publishing First Nations stories, judges acknowledged the cultural significance of this book, recognising its cultural significance and national reach.

The Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year 
(for an author’s first book, regardless of genre) 

Melaleuca, Angie Faye Martin (HQ, HarperCollins Publishers)

The HarperCollins team demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout an extended editorial process, ensuring that an emerging First Nations writer was appropriately supported to succeed in a crowded market. A 12-month pre-publication campaign helped position Faye Martin as one of the bestselling debuts in the 2025 calendar year.  

Business Awards 

Bookshop of the Year 

Gleebooks Dulwich Hill

Judges applauded Gleebooks Dulwich Hill for their continued community engagement, underpinned by a focus on staff training and mentorship. Strong sales growth and proactive reporting on Australian titles reflect a deep commitment to supporting and championing local authors in an increasingly global entertainment market.

Book Retailer of the Year 

Readings

Judges recognised the successful expansion of Readings’ physical store presence, and an additional digital website transformation focusing on stronger brand identity and a seamless customer journey. The retailer achieved impressive sales growth in a challenging market, supported by their commitment to serving as a third space for community gathering.

Multicategory Retailer of the Year  

BIG W

Judges praised Big W’s resilience in a shifting economic landscape and their continued support of Australian publishing above the market average. Their innovative marketing mix of e-commerce and physical stores has supported the discovery of books to the Big W customer, demonstrating the retailer’s commitment to the Australian book industry.

Commissioning Editor/Publisher of the Year 

Vanessa Radnidge (Hachette Australia)

Judges recognised Radnidge’s sustained ability to balance creative vision, editorial excellence and commercial performance. The mix of impressive sales, awards recognition and author development was unmatched.

Marketing/Publicity Campaign of the Year 

Cherry Lam Colouring Book Series (Penguin Random House Australia)

Judges praised the trendsetting campaign behind Lam’s colouring book series. With an innovative, creator-led approach, Penguin Random House effectively reinforced the cosy colouring book brand, clearly distinguishing it from competitor titles.

Publisher of the Year 

Penguin Random House Australia

Judges recognised that Penguin Random House Australia had a terrifically strong year in 2025, boasting strong employee loyalty and inclusion, thoughtful editorial curation and focus on author care. Their engagement with reading advocacy and children’s literacy is also commended at a time where it is most needed.

Small Publisher of the Year 

Magabala Books

Judges commended Magabala Books for their exceptional values-led publishing, noting their impressive staff care programs, strong cultural stewardship and significant community contribution through initiatives like the First Stories Collective.

Children’s Publisher of the Year 

Magabala Books

Magabala’s children’s books are shaping conversations and industry best practice, both in publishing offices and classrooms across Australia.  Judges noted that Magabala is leading the way in decolonial publishing and effective First Nations governance and consultation – an impressive feat for a publisher so remote from the traditional centres of the industry.

Hall of fame awards 

Lloyd O’Neill 

Mem Fox AM, is named the recipient of 2026 Lloyd O’Neil award. (See more.)

Pixie O’Harris 

Paul Macdonald, is named the recipient of 2026 Pixie O’Harris Award. (See more.)

Thank you to all of our ABIA partners

Our grateful thanks to all our ABIA 2026 partners and sponsors. Their contributions and dedicated support of the industry are a valued part of this event.