Children's Book Week®, 2023

Each year since 1945 the CBCA has brought children and books together across Australia through Children's Book Weeek®. During this time schools and public libraries spend one glorious week celebrating books and Australian children's authors and illustrators. Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians create colourful displays, develop activities, run competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading. You will often see parades with students dressed as their favourite book character.

2023 theme and dates

Saturday, 19 August to Friday, 25 August 2023

READ, GROW, INSPIRE

Feature Artist: Matt Ottley

Join the conversation and share the joy: #CBCA2023 #ReadGrowInspire

Quick links to Children's Book Week® pages

Watch the Children's Book Week® 2023 theme announcement, featuring this year’sfeature artist, Matt Ottley on Youtube.

Official Children's Book Week® Merchandise

The CBCA is a not-for-profit organisation that supports itself financially through the sale of a range of merchandise including  Children's Book Week® merchandise and our iconic  Book of the Year Award stickers. Head to our eStore in early 2023 to see our stunning new Children's Book Week® range featuring original artwork by the talented Matt Ottley. The range includes posters, bookmarks, bunting, badges and more.

Visit the eStore

Children's Book Week® promotional resources

We are currently pooling a collection of artwork that will be available for digital and print use to advertise your Children's Book Week® activities in 2023. Watch this space for access to these great resources created by the CBCA and our partners to help you make the most of your Children's Book Week® celebrations.

See the resources

Children's Book Week® History

Children's Book Week® has had a slogan since 1945. Until 1987 CBCA Branches had created their own posters to illustrate the themes and promote events. Since 1987 there has been a national theme which is chosen and voted on by the CBCA members. Artwork is developed by a winner of the previous year's CBCA Book of the Year Awards and used for Children's Book Week® promotional material and Book Week activity and display and activities.

Please note that the Children's Book Week® artwork is subject to copyright. The artwork we supply as part of our Children's Book Week® resources is made available in good faith. We ask that you do not alter the artists illustration or image in anyway and preserve the CBCA logo and brand. You can read about using our logo and reach out to us if you would like to extend the use of the resources supplied.

Previous Children's Book Week® themes

Full list...