Fremantle Press books on 2026 CBCA Notables list

Bigfoot vs Yeti by James Foley, Ningaloo: Australia’s Wild Wonder by Tim Winton with Cindy Lane and Say Goodnight by Renae Hayward and Rebecca Mills have been named Notable books by the Children’s Book Council of Australia. The list acts as the longlist for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards.

Children’s publisher Cate Sutherland said she was extremely proud to see Fremantle Press books on the prestigious list. Cate said James Foley’s Bigfoot vs Yeti was a timely book about the realities of bridging great divides in thought, culture and politics. Cate said, ‘This brilliant, much hairier, reframing of the Romeo and Juliet story deals with serious topics in an entertaining and approachable way.’

You can be sure that there is a double celebration happening in one household right now, too. Renae Hayward, James’s wife, made the list for Say Goodnight. Cate said, ‘Brightly illustrated by Rebecca Mills with high-contrast illustrations, the book goes through all the things babies do as they get ready for bed.’

Fremantle Press CEO Alex Allan commissioned Ningaloo from four-time winner of the Miles Franklin Award and bestselling author, Tim Winton, who is well known for his environmental activism in the region. Alex said, ‘Tim’s connection to the place and his vast knowledge made him the only possible author for this book and I was thrilled when he agreed to work with us and Cindy Lane to bring Ningaloo to life.’

Bigfoot vs Yeti is in the running for Picture Book of the Year, Say Goodnight is in the early childhood category and Ningaloo is in the running for the Eve Pownell Award.

The shortlists for the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year Awards will be announced on 31 March and the winners on 21 August during Children’s Book Week.