Australian Book Industry Awards: Zeno Sworder Wins Book of the Year

Zeno Sworder, a Melbourne writer and illustrator, has won the book of the year award at the 2026 Australian Book Industry awards for his beautifully illustrated picture book 'Once I Was a Giant'. This book tells the tale of a tree transformed into a pencil who writes its own story. It's a story that covers the span of a tree's life and its relationships with the world around it.

The award ceremony, which took place in Sydney on Thursday night, recognised Sworder's hopeful and poetic bedtime read, written for ages zero to six. Sworder's win isn't his first accolade, as his previous children's book 'My Strange Shrinking Parents' won the Victorian Premier's Literary prize in 2023. He's won several awards, and this one's a significant recognition of his work.

'Once I Was a Giant' also won the 2026 Victorian Premier's Literary award for children's literature in February. The judges called it 'profoundly moving' with 'glowing illustrations'. At the same ceremony, the beloved children's writer Mem Fox was recognised in the hall of fame for 'outstanding service to the Australian book industry'. She's known for her classic 'Possum Magic', which was voted No 2 in Guardian Australia's reader poll of the best Australian picture book of all time.

Author and former bookseller Paul Macdonald, who owned the Children's Bookshop in Sydney for close to two decades, was also honoured in the hall of fame. He's made significant contributions to children's literature, and his role as a bookseller has had a lasting impact on the industry. The annual awards, now in their 26th year, are judged by more than 50 representatives from publishing houses, distributors, literary journalists, agents, booksellers, and librarians.

Winners of the adult book categories included Sally Hepworth's thriller 'Mad Mabel', which was presented with the general fiction and the audiobook awards. Geraldine Brooks' memoir 'Memorial Days' won in the biography category. 'The Mushroom Tapes' by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, and Sarah Krasnostein, won the prize for general nonfiction. 'A Piece of Red Cloth', a collaborative historical novel written by Leonie Norrington, Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, Djawa Burarrwanga, and Djawundil Maymura, about a Yolŋu elder trying to protect their granddaughter from being kidnapped, was presented with the social impact book of the year.

'Wild Dark Shore' by Charlotte McConaghy won the literary fiction book of the year, and the Matt Richell award for new writer of the year was awarded to Angie Faye Martin for crime drama 'Melaleuca'. The winners of the awards are a testament to the talent and diversity of the industry. They've made significant contributions to their respective genres, and their work will be widely read and appreciated.

The Australian book industry is growing, and these awards highlight the importance of recognising and celebrating the work of authors, illustrators, and publishers. The awards demonstrate the diversity and talent within the industry, with winners spanning various categories and genres. They're a celebration of the best in Australian literature, and they highlight the importance of the industry.

The recognition of Mem Fox and Paul Macdonald in the hall of fame is a testament to their contributions to the Australian book industry. Fox's 'Possum Magic' is a beloved classic, and her work has been widely acclaimed. Macdonald's dedication to children's literature and his role as a bookseller have made a significant impact on the industry. They're both highly respected figures in the industry, and their recognition is well-deserved.

The winners of the adult book categories have also made significant contributions to their respective genres. Sally Hepworth's 'Mad Mabel' is a thrilling page-turner, and it's a great example of her skill as a writer. Geraldine Brooks' 'Memorial Days' is a heartfelt memoir that explores the human experience. 'The Mushroom Tapes' is a fascinating exploration of the human condition, and it's a great example of the diversity of the industry. 'A Piece of Red Cloth' is a powerful historical novel that tells an important story.

The Matt Richell award for new writer of the year is a significant recognition of emerging talent in the industry. Angie Faye Martin's 'Melaleuca' is a gripping crime drama that showcases her skill as a writer. The literary fiction book of the year, 'Wild Dark Shore', is a haunting and atmospheric novel that explores the human condition. It's a great example of the talent and diversity of the industry.

The Australian Book Industry awards are a celebration of the best in Australian literature, and the winners of this year's awards are a testament to the talent and diversity of the industry. They're a significant event in the literary calendar, and they highlight the importance of recognising and celebrating the work of authors, illustrators, and publishers.

'Once I Was a Giant' is 'profoundly moving' with 'glowing illustrations', according to the judges of the Victorian Premier's Literary award. This quote highlights the significance of the book and the impact it's had on the industry. The awards ceremony was attended by many prominent figures in the Australian book industry, and the winners were announced to a packed audience. The event was a celebration of the best in Australian literature, and it highlighted the importance of recognising and celebrating the work of authors, illustrators, and publishers.

As the winners of the awards continue to make waves in the literary world, it's clear that the Australian book industry is thriving. The industry is home to a wide range of talented authors, illustrators, and publishers, and it's a significant contributor to the country's cultural landscape. The winners of the awards will undoubtedly continue to make significant contributions to the literary world, and their work will be widely read and appreciated.

The Australian Book Industry awards are a celebration of the best in Australian literature, and they highlight the importance of recognising and celebrating the work of authors, illustrators, and publishers. The winners of the awards are a testament to the talent and diversity of the industry, and they demonstrate the significance of the industry to the country's cultural landscape. The awards will continue to play an important role in the literary world, and they'll remain a significant event in the literary calendar.

The winners of the awards have made significant contributions to the industry, and they'll continue to do so in the future. They're a testament to the talent and diversity of the industry, and they demonstrate the importance of recognising and celebrating the work of authors, illustrators, and publishers. The Australian Book Industry awards are a significant event in the literary calendar, and they'll remain a celebration of the best in Australian literature.