Anywhere: "cbca book of the year" 2026 (Keywords)

Cas thought running away from home would solve all his problems. But he didn't count on getting hopelessly lost in the tangled Australian bush. Alone and afraid, Cas has given up all hope of rescue when he stumbles upon a strange family hiding out in the wilderness. He won't survive without their...

When 12-year-old Sid discovers a talking octopus in his family's fish shop, he is NOT happy. Sid is trying to keep a low profile from the bullies at school while he waits to get into the art school of his dreams - so the last thing he needs is a pesky, know-it-all, opera-singing octopus called Ot...

'WELCOME to the only book that turns you into a CHICKEN. I'll just wiggle my fingers and say the magic words ...' 'WAIT!!!' From the creators of bestselling series Real Pigeons comes this hilarious, interactive and totally transformational picture book that will turn readers into chickens! Helped...

Dear Broccoli, Last night at dinner you were on my plate. AGAIN. Please don't come back. From, Frank. Dear Frank, I am afraid I cannot grant your request. The matter is out of my florets. Most respectful regards, Broccoli. A deliciously funny picture book that is sure to make even the pickiest of...

Did you know that if you wish aloud for something in the stealthy shadows of your bedroom, if you whisper the words soft as the brush of a moth' s wing, if you feel the words rush through your blood, your wish might come true? Since the death of her brother, eleven-year-old Bones spends her time ...

I play around with the colours for a few minutes, mixing them with the white. The colours I end up with aren't perfect, but they'll do. I don't know why I like pastel colours so much. My life would be easier if I could get into dark colours, but what can I say? My heart is made of pastel confetti...

Down in the garden, away from the sun, a little green frog is having some fun! Frogs Are Our Friends invites readers into a stunning garden to admire the important work of one little frog. -- Children's Book Council of Australia, Early Childhood Award – Notable Book

Morgan Pickford is keen to please his dad. But sometimes the simplest of things are the hardest to achieve. A life-affirming novel exploring masculinity, friendship and family from an internationally acclaimed, bestselling Australian author.. Two things that are true and one that is a lie: I thin...

A little bird who's in trouble for tattling on his brother discovers a much better use for telling tales in this fun, fresh story with energetic illustrations. Dob is a small bird, and so is his brother, Bob. Dob likes nothing more than telling on Bob to get him in trouble—when Bob flies a littl...

Explore the magic of trains with this delightful picture book from one of Australia's best-loved illustrators. There are big trains and small trains, long trains and fast trains. There are old stations, and new ones. I love them all! But my favourite train and station are the ones at the end of m...