These annual awards are for books with an implied readership under the age of eighteen, and are presented in five categories.
The Judges assess entries for the Children's Book of the Year Award primarily for literary merit, including cohesiveness in significant literary elements; language chosen carefully for its appropriateness to the theme and style of the work with proper regard to the aesthetic qualities of language; and originality in the treatment of literary elements as they apply to the form of the work. Judges also consider quality of illustrations, book design, production, printing and binding.
Established in 1946. Sponsored by the Children's Book Council of Australia.