Speech Pathology Australia
Book of the Year Awards 2026

Nominations for the Book of the Year Awards are now closed and shortlisting is underway.

The shortlisters will be announced in June. Stay tuned.

Book of the Year Awards timeline 2026

  • Book nominations open 11 February
  • Book nominations close 22 March
  • Shortlist announced 16 June
  • Winners announced 28 October

About the Book of the Year Awards

Literacy is based on good oral language skills. The Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards highlight quality Australian books that help children get the best start in life by promoting language and literacy development. The Awards:

  • promote quality Australian children’s literature
  • enhance awareness of the role speech pathologists play in language and literacy development
  • encourage a love of reading.

Previous winners

Discover previous winners of the Book of the Year Awards.

Categories

Books are awarded for their impact on language and literacy development in the following categories:

  • Age-related award categories
    • Birth to 3 Years
    • 3–5 Years
    • 5–8 Years
    • 8–10 Years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Book Award
  • Decodable Book Series Award

Questions

Find answers to common questions about the nomination process and eligibility.

If you need further assistance, please contact Speech Pathology Australia's Book of the Year Manager.

Eligibility criteria

Read the eligibility criteria for nominations and see if your book qualifies for the Book of the Year Awards.

Shortlisting and judging criteria

Each book is judged on its appeal to children, interactive quality and ability to assist speech pathologists and parents in communication and literacy development. View the shortlisting and judging criteria.