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.
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.
The judges described CryBaby, which also won the Emerging Writer category, as "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."
Non-Fiction Book of the Year went to 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. The judges said it as "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."
The Daisy Utemorrah Award, sponsored by Magabala Books, was received by Barefoot Running (unpublished manuscript) by Amanda Lott.
"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," the judges said.
The other 2026 winners were:
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.
Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith Poetry Prize - Past & Parallel Lives by Kaya Ortiz.
Tasma Walton was also shortlisted as a finalist for the awards for I Am Nannertgarrook, a powerful historical novel based on the true story of her ancestor. The acclaimed work has been recognised nationally, including a shortlisting for the Stella Prize and a win in the 2025 ARA Historical Novel Prize.
Reflecting the richness and diversity of contemporary storytelling, this year's judging panel brought 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.
