Congratulations Zeno - Once I Was a Giant named 2026 CBCA Picture Book of the Year

What wonderful news to share during Children’s Book Week.

Once I was a Giant - winner of 2026 CBCA Picture Book of the Year

Zeno Sworder at the MIRROR Mentorship State Library Event 2026

Congratulations to author and illustrator, Zeno Sworder, whose extraordinary book Once I Was a Giant has been named the 2026 CBCA Picture Book of the Year.

Zeno is also one of the generous industry mentors behind our 2024–2026 MIRROR Mentorship program. Through MIRROR, he worked closely with emerging writer and illustrator Huaning Wu, as she developed her Leporello, Heibao.

This is what meaningful connection across the children’s literature sector can make possible: established artists sharing their knowledge, emerging multilingual voices finding space to grow, and more children seeing the richness of contemporary Australia reflected on their bookshelves.

We are so proud to see Zeno’s deeply thoughtful and visually remarkable work receive this recognition and very grateful for the care, experience and encouragement he has shared with the MIRROR community.

Congratulations, Zeno, and to all the 2026 CBCA winners, Honour Book creators and shortlisted artists.

Discover the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year winners and connect with the MIRROR Mentorship program.