2026 Winners Western Australian Premier's Book Awards
CryBaby by first-time author Mabel Gibson has been named Book of the Year at the 2026 Western Australian Premier's Book Awards, taking out the program's highest honour at an awards ceremony at the State Library of Western Australia on Friday 11 September.
Selected from this year's category winners, the 27-year-old Yamatji writer’s debut micro memoir was praised by judges for its humour, vulnerability and distinctive literary voice.
Described by the judging panel as “heartbreaking and sumptuous”, the book stood apart for its disarming simplicity and sentence-level perfection throughout.
The night was bookended by Yamatji women with the induction of Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith into the Western Australian Writers Hall of Fame and the renaming of the poetry category in the Premier’s Book Awards in honour of the late poet, writer and community leader.
Following a rigorous judging process involving writers, industry professionals and readers from across Australia, the full list of 2026 winners are:
- Book of the Year and Emerging Writer of the Year - CryBaby by Mabel Gibson
- Children’s Book of the Year - Creature Clinic by Gavin Aung Than
- Young Adult Book of the Year - A Murder is Going Down by Kate Emery
- Fiction Book of the Year - O’Keefe by David Whish-Wilson
- Non-Fiction Book of the Year - Tjukurrpa Kurranyu, Tjukurrpa in the Front: The Yarnangu Foundation for Joint Management in the Pila Nature Reserve by Jan Turner and Dr Lizzie Marrkilyi Giles Ellis
- Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith Poetry Prize - Past & Parallel Lives by Kaya Ortiz
- The Daisy Utemorrah Award, sponsored by Magabala Books - Barefoot Running (unpublished manuscript) by Amanda Lott
Winners and Shortlists Judges Comments
Each shortlisted book and winner includes a comment from the judges.
Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith Poetry Prize
Past & Parallel Lives by Kaya Ortiz (WINNER)
‘A dynamic, urgent work.’
A boundary bending work that balances muscular language with playfulness of form. While deeply personal, it speaks beyond the self, making its emotional landscape accessible and affecting.
Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith Poetry Prize Shortlist
Gold Digger by Lisa Collyer
An erudite, precise and compelling read. With a strong visceral sense these are outward looking poems that cross class, age and place.
The Twilight Observatory by Jennifer Kornberger
Luminous. The poems bring an intimacy of voice to themes ranging from grief to the science and metaphysics of the rainbow. The language is new and strange, deeply truthful and considered.
The Hum Hearers by Shey Marque
Closely observed and rendered with clear visual details and a strong sense of character. Careful, sophisticated use of words makes the poems appear deceptively simple before expanding layers open out to carry complex ideas.
Children’s Book of the Year
Creature Clinic by Gavin Aung Than (Winner)
‘Excellent in conception and execution.’
Compassionate storytelling, expressive artwork, and understated humour create a warmly imaginative graphic novel celebrating empathy and the healing power of kindness.
Children’s Book of the Year Shortlist
Everglade 1: Rise of the Witch by Kitty Black
The writing is beautiful and evocative. An important story for all children who feel different from their peers.
Bigfoot vs Yeti by James Foley
The message is both timeless and timely, a familiar theme cleverly updated for a contemporary readership. Text and image are beautifully complementary and the design is excellent, as is the use of distinctive art styles to reflect the book's themes
One Day by Shirley Marr and Michael Speechley
Stunning illustrations that capture the grandeur, beauty and wonder of the natural world. The pared-back language delivers a powerful message, inviting reflection and thoughtful discussion. A book that continues to reveal new layers with each reading, it becomes more meaningful and impactful every time it is revisited.
The Surface Trials by H.M. Waugh
A gripping and engaging read, the narrative inspires readers to champion the contestants, holding their breath through tense moments and racing through the pages.
Young Adult Book of the Year
A Murder is Going Down by Kate Emery (Winner)
‘Addictive. Stayed up late reading. Got in trouble.’
With plenty of unexpected twists and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end, this story is a real page-turner. Heidi’s realistic narration and the believable relationships between characters bring the story to life, while the steady pace and strong character interactions keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Young Adult Book of the Year Shortlist
Made of Steam and Stardust by Bianca Breen
The world-building strikes a nice balance between detail and imagination. The dialogue feels real for characters that age and helps keep the story engaging and moving forward.
A New World Rises: Tales of a LEGO® Future by Cristy Burne, Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler
A highly original concept that uses different elements to create a fun and engaging reading experience for a wide range of audiences. The unique layout, the images and the bite-sized information makes the book easy to navigate and enjoyable to read.
Trapped! by Julia Lawrinson
The short sentences, simple language and engaging format showed the characters’ perspectives in a really effective way. The images and graphic elements added to the story and helped bring the characters’ experiences to life.
The Dreams of Summer Dartson by Peter Purchase
An interesting and entertaining story of friendship and grief. Characters are diverse and refreshing in a way that resonates with readers.
Fiction Book of the Year
O’Keefe by David Whish-Wilson (Winner)
‘An irresistible, wild ride.’
Fast paced, extremely engaging writing. A gritty, dark page turner made even more compelling by instantly recognisable locations and invisible ethical lines. Crime noir at its best.
Fiction Book of the Year Shortlist
Chance and Necessity: A Novel of Narrogin and Williams by Rosanne Dingli
Enjoyable, refreshing read in a unique voice with a unique style. Evoked an excellent sense of place, locality and the rhythms of daily life.
When She Was Gone by Sara Foster
A gripping, fast-paced thriller with authentic characters and a powerful, compassionate exploration of family, resilience and survival.
King of Dirt by Holden Sheppard
The overarching and universal theme of belonging and overwhelming need for acceptance will resonate strongly with readers, however it’s the characterisation that really stands out in this book. A distinctive and authentic voice.
I Am Nannertgarrook by Tasma Walton
A heartbreaking, harrowing and important exploration of Australia’s history, told with remarkable insight and sensitivity. The beautiful use of traditional language creates an extraordinary reading experience that lingers long after the final page.
Non-Fiction Book of the Year
Tjukurrpa Kurranyu. Tjukurrpa in the Front: The Yarnangu foundation for joint management in the Pila Nature Reserve by Jan Turner and Lizzie Marrikilyi Giles Ellis (Winner)
‘A generous exploration of connection, community and culture.’
Not only a great resource for the intended foundation of joint management of country but also an account of history and culture that can be referenced in years to come. Every Australian would do well to deep read this and understand Indigenous Australian ways of knowing, courtesy of the Yarnangu belief system – Tjukurrpa.
Non-Fiction Book of the Year Shortlist
My FIGHT with PD: A Neurologist with Parkinson's Disease by David Blacker
A well-written, invaluable memoir. Consistent in tone, engaging and accessible to the reader, this memoir gives a valuable insight into a complex condition.
No Time for Makeup: The Life of a Flying Doctor and Paediatrician by Elizabeth Green
Hard to put down, this book is an informative window into the organised chaos of the medical professional. A straightforward and delightful story of resilience, compassion and sacrifice.
How Not To Become A Grumpy Old Bugger: A Bloke's Guide to Living a Better Life by Geoff Hutchison
An engaging and well-researched exploration of men’s mental health, blending personal stories with expert insights. Thought-provoking, accessible, and wide-ranging in scope, it is an outstanding example of the genre that encourages meaningful reflection and conversation.
The Shameful Isles: The True Story of North-West Australia's Fatal Experiment with Medical Apartheid by David Price
A story that needs to be told and understood. Well researched account of a brutal piece of Western Australia’s history. This book is a great example of acknowledgement, respect and unwavering truth telling.
Emerging Writer of the Year
CryBaby by Mabel Gibson (Winner)
‘Heartbreaking and sumptuous.’
The distinctive voice is original, polished and consistently maintained. Emotionally resonant and engaging, the work balances humour and vulnerability effectively. For sensitive, turbulent people of all ages, everywhere.
Emerging Writer of the Year Shortlist
Nock Loose by Patrick Marlborough
A highly original voice, blending absurdist humour and social critique with a consistently chaotic tone.
The Montegiallo School of Swearing by Andrew HC McDonald
Charming and thoughtful. Witty, original and skilfully crafted.
Inner Demons by Stephan B Platt
A most enjoyable, compelling read – imaginative, well-written, and equal parts witty and whimsical. A rollicking adventure.
Geraldine by Andrea Thompson
Fresh, quirky, surprising. A thoroughly absorbing book that challenges perspectives and assumptions with a lightness of touch. Original and refreshing, quiet and affecting.
Daisy Utemorrah Award
Barefoot Running by Amanda Lott (Winner)
A literary First Nations mystery and coming of age novel. Told through an exceptional and unforgettable voice. This compelling read uncovers the quiet resilience of a family navigating love, loss, racism and belonging. We get to know 16-year-old Lizzie and examine how place, racism, poverty and family mould identity. This extraordinary narrative reflects ordinary lives lived under remarkable pressure. An astonishing debut of literary merit.
Daisy Utemorrah Award Shortlist
Saltwater, City Lights by Elise Thornthwaite
A deeply moving story about the ties that bind and the unspoken that disconnects. Two teenage sisters, reunited after years of separation at their Nan’s funeral, explore grief, memory, misunderstanding and place in family. This sensitively and exquisitely told story reveals a nuanced portrait of love and reconciliation that is culturally particular and overwhelmingly universal. A YA work of literary fiction that reflects on the stories we inherit, the lies we tell ourselves and the journey to healing when truths are shared.
Off by a Mark by Junaidah Mamid
Off by a Mark is a contemporary, warm, witty and relatable coming-of-age romance about first love, first heartbreak and the unexpected people who change our lives. With sparkling dialogue, a memorable heroine and an authentic teenage voice, this story celebrates friendship, the awkward reality of being a teenager, family and the courage to stand for what you believe in. Junaidah writes with warmth, accessibility and humour.
Judging Panel
Reflecting the richness and diversity of contemporary storytelling, this year’s judging panel brings together writers, industry professionals, students and keen readers from right across Australia.
Head Chair Gerard McCann, Sian Baker, Sienna Dale, Michael Elwan, Anwen Handmer, Toby Halsey, Meg McKinlay, Marija Peričić, Alia Parker, Paris Rosemont, Oliver Scott, Thomas Schneider, Caitlyn Stone, Eleanor Stuart, Samantha Thorley, Cindy Solonec, Jo-Ann Lim, Brendan Kirwin, Cassie Rowe MLA, Robert Wood, Milla Whaley and students from Mount Barker Community College.