Tim Winton’s first picture book in 20 years makes 2026 CBCA Shortlist

Ningaloo: Australia’s Wild Wonder by Tim Winton with Cindy Lane has been shortlisted for the Eve Pownell Award in this year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards. 

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, ‘I knew that Tim’s vast knowledge of Ningaloo, teamed with Cindy Lane’s sensitive and evocative watercolours would be a winning combination. I am proud of what we achieved and what can be accomplished. This influential award will help us reach even more young readers and their families. Thank you to the CBCA for helping to increase the impact of the book and Tim’s message.’

For almost four decades, the prestigious Eve Pownall Award for Information Books has recognised outstanding non-fiction or informational picture books for readers aged 0–18. It honours books that present factual materials in a high-quality, imaginative, and engaging style.

Ningaloo shares the wonder and awe of one of the last great wild regions on earth. From enormous whale sharks to minuscule Cape Range Millipedes, and from colourful coral reefs to muddy mangroves, the biodiversity and interconnectedness of each distinctive ecosystem is beautifully portrayed. Most importantly, the book shares how the next generation of custodians can support and protect the region in the years to come.

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