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Celebrating, acknowledging and encouraging excellence in self publishing
slvr children's book awards
Saturday 17th October 2026
Celebrate excellence in the self-publishing industry with an elegant and joy-filled gala night.
We’ll swap notebooks for champagne flutes and celebrate the incredible achievements of self-published children's book authors & illustrators in style.
This is a night to recognise your creativity, dedication, and the bold decision to back yourself!
Tickets go on sale on Sunday 31st May 2026
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Celebrating, acknowledging and encouraging excellence in self publishing
slvr children's book awards
The aim of the 2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards is to recognise & celebrate the outstanding work of self-published creatives.
In an industry that often overlooks self published books, we're here to shake things up - because if the industry won’t acknowledge the brilliance of self-published books, we’ll do it ourselves.
Celebrating excellence in independently published children's books
SLVR CHILDREN'S BOOK
AWARDS GALA
Celebrate excellence in the self-publishing industry with an elegant and joy-filled gala night.
We’ll swap notebooks for champagne flutes and celebrate the incredible achievements of self-published children's book authors & illustrators in style.
This is a night to recognise your creativity, dedication, and the bold decision to back yourself!
Delicious three-course dinner
Beer, wine & soft drink flowing all night
Live entertainment by Dave Van Elst
Dancing, mingling and celebrating!
Up to 3 entries into the Children's Book Awards (2 x category entries + 1 for Book of The Year)
Let your hair down and celebrate yourself, your peers and the industry!
tickets go on sale
sunday 31st may
author | illustrator event 2026
award categories
Most Heartwarming
For the book that gives you all the feels. If your story inspires kindness, empathy, hope or brings a tear to the eye - this is your category.
Writing Excellence
This category recognises excellence in storytelling, including strong narrative structure, engaging language and age-appropriate tone. Whether it's lyrical, funny, heartfelt or clever - this award honours outstanding writing.
Big Feelings and Beyond
For books that help children understand, express and navigate their emotions or physical health. This category recognises stories that support mental health, emotional and psychical resilience and wellbeing, including topics like anxiety, body awareness, healthy habits, mindfulness, grief and more.
Picture Perfect
This one’s all about the visual storytelling. For books that shine through their artwork - whether hand-drawn, painted or digitally illustrated (human only, no AI). Judges will consider style, technique, originality and how well the illustrations enhance the story.
Celebrating Diversity
Celebrating books that champion inclusivity and representation. This category is for stories that reflect diverse voices, cultures, abilities, genders and identities - books that help all children feel seen, valued and understood.
Most Humorous Book
We’re looking for giggles and full-on belly laughs. This category celebrates books with humour, quirky characters, playful storytelling or unexpected silliness that kids love.
For Greater Good
This award honours creators using their work to spark change, raise awareness or give back to communities.
Home Grown
Celebrating books made entirely in Australia. This category recognises stories that have been written, illustrated and printed locally - highlighting the incredible talent and creativity within our own backyard.
Wildcard
This category is for any children's book that doesn't quite fit the other categories - whether it's for older readers, a unique format or published through a hybrid or vanity press. As long as it's a non-traditionally published children's book released in printed form between 2022 and 31st August 2026.
Book of the Year
The standout favourite. A picture book that excels across the board. This award celebrates a title that is exceptional in storytelling, illustration, design and overall impact. It can be about any topic, any theme.
Book of The Year will be selected by our judges from the shortlisted titles across all categories
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The SLVR Children's Book Awards celebrate the incredible talent and creativity of self-published children's book creators from Australia and around the world. These awards exist to recognise, champion and shine a well-deserved spotlight on the authors and illustrators who are bravely charting their own publishing path.
key dates
Wednesday 27th May - 2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala - Early Release Tickets
Sunday 31st May - 2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala - Public Release Tickets
Sunday 12th July 2026 - Entries close at 11:59pm AEST
8 - 10 August - Finalists announced and physical copies requested
Friday 21st August - Cut off for physical copies to be received by Little Ivory Haus
Saturday 17th October - Winners announced at SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala
ENTRY OPTIONS & PRICING
There are two ways to enter the 2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards:
Option 1 - 2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards - Gala Ticket + Entry Bundle
Purchase a Gala Ticket with Entry Bundle to attend the Awards Gala and include your book in the judging. This ticket includes:
• 1 x Gala ticket (general admission - 18+ event)
• 2 x category entries (your choice of categories)
• Automatic entry into Book of the Year
Option 2 - 2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards - Gala Ticket Only
Purchase a Gala ticket without an entry if you'd like to attend and celebrate the night without entering the awards.
Option 3 - 2026 SLVR Children's Book Award - Category Entry (no Gala ticket)
Individual category entries are available at $90 per entry. Each entry includes:
• 1 x category entry (your choice of category)
• Automatic entry into Book of the Year
You may enter the same book into multiple categories. There is no limit on the number of entries you can purchase.
MAIN AWARD CATEGORIES
To be eligible for entry into a Main Award Category, your book must meet all of the following criteria:
• Must be self-published (books published by a traditional, vanity or hybrid publisher are not eligible)
• Must be a children's picture book (under 1,000 words)
• Must have been published between 2020 and 12 July 2026
• Must have a valid ISBN
• Must exist in printed form (hardcover, paperback or board book)
Home Grown category: This category is open to Australian creators only. The book must have been written, illustrated and printed entirely in Australia.
International entries: The Main Award Categories and Wildcard Category are open to creators worldwide, with the exception of the Home Grown category. International finalists must ensure physical copies are received at Little Ivory Haus no later than 21 August 2026. Please allow sufficient postage time or consider sending via express post. Any customs fees or import charges are the responsibility of the entrant.
WILDCARD CATEGORY
The Wildcard Category is for children's books that do not fit within any Main Award Category. To be eligible:
• The book must not have been entered into any Main Award Category
• Must be self-published, or published by a hybrid or vanity press (traditionally published books are not eligible)
• Must be a children's book (picture book, early reader, graphic novel, chapter book, middle grade etc.)
• Must have been published between 2020 and 12 July 2026
• Must have a valid ISBN
• Must exist in printed form (hardcover, paperback or board book)
how to enter
• Purchase your entry via the official website (littleivoryhaus.com.au)
• You will receive a nomination form via email after purchase - complete and submit this form by 11:59pm AEST, 12 July 2026
• Submit a digital copy of your book (PDF or eBook format, minimum 150dpi) by 11:59pm AEST, 12 July 2026
• Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances
If your book is selected as a finalist, you’ll be asked to send 4 printed copies to our team. These will be used for judging purposed and to display at the SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala on Saturday 17th October 2026.
If you’d like your books returned, please include a pre-paid return postage label.
if your book is selected as a finalist
Finalists will be notified directly before a public announcement is made (around 10th August 2026). If your book is selected as a finalist, you will be asked to:
• Send 4-5 printed copies to Little Ivory Haus by 21 August 2026
• Physical copies will be used for Round 2 judging and displayed at the Awards Gala on Saturday 17 October 2026
If you would like your books returned after the event, please include a pre-paid return postage label with your parcel. Books without return postage will be given to the judges to keep or donate as they please.
Judging Criteria
All entries undergo an initial eligibility and quality review by the Little Ivory Haus team before being passed to the judging panel. This ensures that only entries meeting the minimum standard of presentation, production quality and category criteria are forwarded to our independent judges.
Shortlisted entries are then assessed by a panel of independent professionals.
Judges will evaluate each shortlister book on:
• Cover design
• Story content and structure
• Writing quality
• Visual storytelling and illustration
• Overall appeal and age-appropriateness
• Suitability for the nominated category
While these awards celebrate the incredible creativity of the self-publishing community and are joyful and inclusive in spirit, judging is conducted fairly, carefully and with integrity.
Judges are required to declare any personal or professional relationship with an entrant and will recuse themselves from judging any category where a conflict of interest exists.
What Finalists Receive
• 100 premium silver embossed Finalist stickers for your printed books (additional stickers available for purchase)
• Announcement across the Little Ivory Haus website and social platforms (audience 11,500+)
• Digital Finalist badge for use on your book cover, website, social media and marketing materials
What winners Receive
• A premium engraved trophy and luxe certificate presented live at the Awards Gala
• 100 gold embossed Winner stickers for your printed books (additional stickers available for purchase)
• Announcement across the Little Ivory Haus website and social platforms (audience 11,500+)
• Digital Winner badge for use on your book cover, website, social media and marketing materials
• Epic bragging rights for life!
awards gala
The 2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala will be held on Saturday 17 October 2026 at Taylors Lakes Hotel, Taylors Lakes VIC Australia. This is a celebration of the self-publishing community and a night to remember!
• The Gala is an 18+ event. No exceptions.
• Finalists are strongly encouraged to attend in person - this is your night!
• If a finalist or winner is unable to attend, they may nominate a representative to accept on their behalf. Please notify us in advance if you will not be attending.
right to promote
By entering the 2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards, entrants grant Little Ivory Haus permission to use the book title, cover image, author name and illustrator name for promotional purposes related to the awards, including but not limited to social media, website, email communications, signage and press materials.
Discretion & Right to Reject
Little Ivory Haus reserves the right to reject any entry at its sole discretion, including but not limited to entries that:
• Do not meet the stated eligibility criteria
• Contain content that is offensive, discriminatory or inappropriate
• Are submitted with inaccurate or misleading information
• Are found to have been produced using AI-generated illustrations (with the exception of the Wildcard Category)
refunds
All entry fees and ticket purchases are final and non-refundable. This applies in all circumstances, including if your book is deemed ineligible after submission, if you choose to withdraw your entry, or if you are unable to attend the Gala. Please ensure your book meets all eligibility requirements before purchasing.
questions?
If you have a question about eligibility or the entry process, please get in touch with the Little Ivory Haus team [email protected] before submitting your entry.
We can't wait to celebrate your book. Good luck! 🏆
choose your adventure
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friday october 16
all-day creative event
once upon con
Incredible line-up of guest speakers
Learn from New York Times Best Selling and Award-Winning Authors & Illustrators
Industry Experts, Exclusive Discounts & Goodie Bags
Network, Collaborate, Learn and Grow
Fully Catered Event - Morning Tea, Lunch & Afternoon Tea
... and more!
Tickets go on sale on Sunday 17th May 2026
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saturday october 17
optional add-ons
workshops
Marketing | Growing Your Personal Brand Workshop
Judge This Book by Its Cover: How to Design a Standout Cover Workshop
Reel Talk - Creating Clever & Engaging Reels Wokshop
Self Editing Workshop - Polish Your Story
1:1 Manuscript Assessments
... and more!
Tickets go on sale in June
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saturday october 17
awards gala
slvr book awards
Celebrating, acknowledging and encouraging excellence in self publishing
A night to recognise your creativity, dedication and the bold decision to back yourself!
Delicious three-course dinner
Beer, wine & soft drink flowing all night
Live entertainment by Dave Van Elst
... and more!
Tickets go on Sunday 31st May
"the best author event i've ever seen"
Frequently Asked Questions
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where Should I Stay?
There is a hotel right next to the venue - Quality Hotel Taylors Lakes
Mention "Once Upon Con" when booking over the phone for a discount (while available)
P: 03 9217 9500 www.taylorslakeshotel.com.au
What Should I Bring?
For Once Upon Con, bring a notepad, pen and your wonderful self!
If you would like to participate in the "mystery book swap", bring along a copy of your book wrapped in plain kraft, white or newspaper.
If you are participating in the "Book Shop", bring your books and promotional material (as per email instructions).
If you are participating in the "Illustrator Matchmaking", bring your portfolio and promotional material (as per email instructions).
For the optional workshops, each session has different requirements. Please bring along the items listed in your email.
For the SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala, please just bring your wonderful self and your dancing shoes!
Can I Bring My Kids?
As much as we adore children and dedicate our work to creating books that inspire and educate them - all events; Once Upon Con, the Workshops and the SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala, are strictly 18+ events.
This ensures all attendees can fully engage with the professional development, networking and celebration without distraction.
We hope you enjoy a well-deserved day (and night!) just for you.
Can I Get a Discount For the Gala if I Don't Drink?
We love that you asked, and the answer is a gentle but firm no! Your ticket includes a three-course dinner, beer, wine and cider all night and world-class entertainment - and we think that's pretty spectacular value at $249 (with two award entries) or $229 (for those not entering, partners and support crew).
If you don't drink, we promise the food, the people and the vibe will more than make up for it.
Are Tickets Refunadable?
Tickets are not refundable, but if you can no longer attend, you're welcome to pass your ticket onto someone else.
Please contact us ASAP to update the booking details.
What Should I Wear?
For Once Upon Con and the Workshops, think smart casual, or whatever it is that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
For the SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala, think cocktail or semi-formal - whatever makes you feel fabulous!
We don't believe in telling people what to wear - so please wear what makes you comfortable!
Who Are The Speakers at Once Upon Con?
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the legendary Scott Stuart as our special keynote speaker to kick off the morning.
Following Scott’s keynote, we’ll be joined by an incredible lineup of authors, illustrators and industry professionals who will share their knowledge and experience throughout the day, including the absolutely brilliant, hilarious and best-selling authors; Adrian Becks and Adam Wallace.
The full speaker lineup and schedule will be released shortly.
I am Interested in Sponsorship/Becoming a Partner
We would love to hear from you to see if we are a good fit.
Please register your interest HERE and we'll get back to you ASAP.
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