The SCBWI Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards recognise the talent of published Australian children’s illustrators, in visual narrative for picture books and graphic novels from early childhood to young adult. The Award is managed by SCBWI Australia East and is funded by the Copyright Agency.
There are two categories – Established and Emerging Illustrator Awards for Australian Illustrators with prize money to assist an illustrator with the creation of a new visual narrative picture book or graphic novel.
Judging Criteria
Originality of the intended project
Creativity of the intended project
Artistic and literary merit of the applicant’s body of work (assessed on grounds of stylistic and thematic achievement as demonstrated by portfolio and support material)
Ability of applicant to create an excellent narrative with a significant visual component (as demonstrated by portfolio and support material) which may be textual and visual, or visual alone (wordless).
Our stupendous judges for 2026 are:
Rebecca McRitchie—Publisher at Penguin Random House
Frané Lessac—Award Winning Author and Illustrator
Paige Terlip—co-founder of Starling Literary + Media
SCBWI is so excited to have such wonderful and hugely talented publishing professionals for this incredible award. So let’s get to the winners!
SCBWI Judges’ Report 2026 by Rebecca McRitchie, Frané Lessac, Paige Terlip
General Comments
There was an abundance of creativity and talent in the submissions. The portfolios showed a lot of range and styles, and we had quite a lively discussion picking the winners. We took into account originality, creativity, artistic and literary merit and the ability of the applicant to create an excellent narrative with a significant visual component. We found that all of the winners and shortlisted candidates demonstrated strength in all categories and were standouts amongst the submissions. It was an incredibly difficult decision to narrow down to our top choices, but in the end we could imagine these winning projects sitting on bookshelves. The artists’ portfolios also showcased their individual styles and the breadth of talent that was undeniable. Congratulations to the winners!
Established Illustrator Award
FIRST PRIZE: Sara Acton
The judges are thrilled to award the first prize award to Sara Acton for ‘Blue’. The manuscript is strong, as is Sara’s fantastic portfolio. Using deceptively simple-looking lines and watercolours, Sara gives her characters expressive personalities with laugh-out-loud humour. The judges enjoyed the market comps and cover design sample which shows great insight to where the proposed book would sit on bookshelves.
SECOND PRIZE: Karen Blair
The judges loved Karen Blair’s ‘Stop, Wind!’. There is a lot of charm in the narrative and the story feels original. The illustration sample has a lot of warmth and a beautiful, simple story arc, while also providing some gentle humour. And Karen’s creative use of pictorial typography is a clever addition to the story's visual narrative.
THIRD PRIZE: Michelle Conn
The judges really enjoyed the emotion and visual storytelling in ‘Little Boat.’ There is a nostalgic quality to the narrative, but with a commercial approach to the art that made it feel on-market. The storyboard and supporting material is incredibly strong and considered, helping frame the setting and mood of the narrative.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ross Morgan
The judges liked the unique style and detail in Ross’s illustrations. The characters are quirky and full of personality. His art also clearly conveys the narrative and whimsy of his wordless picture book.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Annabelle Hale
The judges gravitated toward the originality and child appeal in Annabelles’s manuscript and portfolio. Her style feels both timeless and on-market, and her supporting materials perfectly blended humor and heart.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Anna McGregor
The judges applaud the personality and charm in Anna’s anthropomorphic concept. The themes and narrative present empathy in a child-friendly manner, with eye-catching art.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Binny Talib
The judges were struck by Binny’s unique style, which has a sense of childlike wonder and whimsy. Her portfolio and supplemental material showed a sense of layered storytelling through art and narrative.
Emerging Illustrator Award
FIRST PRIZE: Bindy James
Bindy’s illustrations make excellent use of colour and space. Non-fiction picture books are vital for young children, and Bindy’s manuscript and illustrations skillfully combine factual information with an engaging fictional storytelling arc.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Susan Joy Lu
Parents, caregivers and young children can easily connect to Susan’s well-researched storyline alongside her delightful illustrations. Her vivid palette and joyfully painted creatures will delight readers.
Congratulations to all the winners!
