We're thrilled to share that fourteen books have been named CBCA Notables this year. Learn more about them here.
Each year the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) celebrates the best children’s books of the year. But before the winners are announced, a longlist of Notables is announced.
This year, Penguin Random House has fourteen books on the Notables list. Keep scrolling to learn more about them.
Book of the Year: Older Readers
Eleanor Jones Can't Keep a Secret by Amy Doak
In this follow-up to Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer, the title character stirs up more mystery and danger in this fast-paced mystery. Eleanor throws herself into solving a new mystery in an effort to distract herself from a series of shaky events, but she soon realises that digging into old secrets can be incredibly dangerous.
I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang
Unforgettable, snarky and romantic, I Hope This Doesn't Find You is Never Have I Ever meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before if Lara Jean wrote hate emails instead of love letters. To manage her model-student behaviour, school captain Sadie channels her frustrations with teachers and students into email drafts, especially those about her co-captain Julius. Her world is turned upside-down when the emails are accidentally sent out, but amidst the chaos, Julius begins to appreciate the 'real' Sadie.
The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland
From the author of New York Times bestseller House of Hollow comes a darkly seductive witchy thriller where, though both men and demons lurk in shadows, girls refuse to go quietly into the night. Three girls, one supernatural killer on the loose . . . Krystal Sutherland's The Invocations has it all, from heart-pounding twists and turns to a slow-burn romance.
Wrong Answers Only by Tobias Madden
A funny and heartfelt novel that is also intensly, relatably human. Marco's always done the right thing, but now it's time for wrong answers only. After suffering from a (minor) panic attack, Marco is sent to live on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean with his uncle, but instead of finding answers about himself, he only finds more and more questions.
Book of the Year: Younger Readers
Countdown to Yesterday by Shirley Marr
From the incredible mind of multi-award-winning Australian children’s author Shirley Marr comes a beautiful story for young readers about memories, family, friendship, The Australian Women’s Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book, David Bowie and time travel. A contemporary with hints of science fiction and philosophical ideas for young readers.
Shower Land 1: Break the Curse by Nat Amoore, James Hart
A hilarious junior fiction series where getting in the shower might send you to another world. Felix hates Mondays. Dad’s yelling at him to get up. His little brother, Olly, is being super annoying. So, when Felix shuts the bathroom door, he wishes he could get away. He turns on the shower and . . . REEEEKKKKKK! Felix finds himself standing in the middle of a field . . . naked . . . with an army of soldiers charging at him. Step 1: Avoid flying pitchforks! Step 2: Find some PANTS. Step 3: UM, IS THAT A DRAGON?!?
The Kindness Project by Deborah Abela
A heartwarming verse novel from beloved Australian children’s author Deborah Abela. Ms Skye thinks kids can change the world with a Kindness Project. Nicolette wants to but how can she when Layla treats her like she’s invisible and DJ picks on everything she says? Leaf thinks Nicolette can be a superhero. So maybe if they work together, they just might do it. A heartwarming story about four kids who overcome their differences and take on the world.
Tweet by Morris Gleitzman
A boy and his beloved budgie are thrust into an epic adventure that could change everything. Absolutely everything. The people of the world are puzzled. Their feathered friends are trying to tell them something, and they’re not sure what it is. Then a boy and his pet budgie discover the secret. Join Jay and Clyde, and their friends Maxine and Dora, on an exciting, funny, risky journey to save their families. And every other family too.
Book of the Year: Early Childhood
Meerkat Mayhem by Mem Fox, Judy Horacek
Another hilarious picture book gem from the legendary team who brought us the highly acclaimed and bestselling Where is the Green Sheep? One day, after another hearty meal, Meerkat decided to leave his burrow and take a walk. But he found himself, all at once . . . stuck fast! 'Mother of all meerkats!' he said. And that is where the mayhem began . . .
Book of the Year: Picture Books
Dragon Folding by Christopher Cheng, Lucia Masciullo
From the author of the stunning Bear and Rat comes a powerful, heartfelt gem about the strength of community and the magic that can come from the innocence of a child. When Mr Singer’s wife went away, the colour and life disappeared from Dragon Hall. Can his young friend Evan help to bring back the dragons and the magic?
Listen, Hippo! by Gabriel Evans
A wise and beautiful picture book that explores with gentle warmth and humour about the nature of feelings and the importance of being heard. When Billy is feeling sad, he wishes he had someone to talk to. He thinks what he needs is someone to listen . . . but his best friend, Hippo, believes he knows exactly what Billy needs. Hippo just wants to make Billy happy, but it’s only when he finally listens to what Billy wants that he can help his friend.
The Space Between by Jess McGeachin
By the CBCA-award winning creator of Fly, The Space Between is a celebration of those special friendships that last, no matter what. Max and Milo do everything together, every day, and in their rocket ship even the stars and planets don’t seem too far to reach. But when Milo has to move away, the space between them seems too great . . . and Max must find another way to navigate the galaxy.
Why I Love Christmas by Michael Wagner, Tom Jellett
In this book Christmas is for everyone. It’s all about sharing traditions and spending time with the people we love and missing some people too. A perfect gift from the team who bought us the much-loved Dirt by Sea, Why I Love Footy and Why I Love Summer.
Eve Pownall Award
Now for the Good News by Planet Ark Environmental Foundation
From Australia’s most respected environmental advocate, Planet Ark, Now for the Good News reveals story after story of world-saving actions to inspire and inform YOU to keep the good news coming. Showcasing fantastically positive environmental advances, initiatives and inventions, Now for the Good News delivers a strong WE CAN DO THIS message, encouraging kids to engage and act through informative and inspiring stories that reveal what is already being done to reverse the damage to our planet.
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