Each year, Children’s Book Week is celebrated in school libraries, schools, public libraries and bookshops around Australia. It’s a celebration of reading and Australian literature. As is tradition, the Children’s Book Council of Australia have announced their theme for the 2026.
The Theme
The theme for Children’s Book Week 2026 is Symphony of Stories
Briony Stewart has been named as the illustrator who has created the official artwork around the theme. You’ll find the official artwork and resources on the Children’s Book Council of Australia website.
Exploring the Theme
You can learn more about the artwork and the theme in the below video. Briony talks about the reasons behind the design choices in the video.
The Week and how to celebrate
The official Children’s Book Week runs from the 22nd to the 28th of August 2026. Some schools celebrate during different weeks.
Celebrations might include author and illustrators visits (my guide on how to organise that here), displays, creative activities, library lesson activities, shadow judging of the Book of the Year Awards or book character costume parades (costume ideas here).
Resources
You’ll find the official merchandise and free resources for the theme on the CBCA website.
Finding more ideas
If you’d love to start sharing ideas for the Book Week 2025 theme, why don’t you join our Aussie Book Week Facebook group or Pinterest page?
You can also check out my Pinterest board, Library – Book Week, which I will be updating to reflect the 2026 theme.
Want more Book Week ideas? Check out these activity and display ideas.