Song of a Thousand Seas by Zana Fraillon wins Prime Ministers Literary Awards

A huge congratulations to Zana Fraillon, whose spectacular verse novel has won the 2026 Prime Ministers Literary Award in the Children's Literature category.

The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards recognise the exceptional contribution Australian writers, illustrators, poets and historians make to Australia’s cultural and intellectual life.

Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, said:

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, whose work demonstrates the depth and diversity of Australian literature. Our stories connect us across generations, cultures and communities, and allow the world to see Australia through Australian eyes. My Government is proud to support the writers, illustrators, poets and historians whose creativity makes such an important contribution to Australia.

Minister for the Arts, The Hon Tony Burke MP, said:

Australian writers have a remarkable breadth of talent. The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards highlights some of Australia’s best to the national stage.

Director of Writing Australia, Wenona Byrne, said:

These remarkable books show Australian storytelling at its finest, illuminating our past, drawing us into lives beyond our own, and helping us imagine the world anew. Writing Australia is proud to celebrate the extraordinary craft and originality of this year’s winners.

As Australia’s richest annual literary prize, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards offers a total tax-free prize pool of $600,000. Winners receive $80,000 per category, and up to four shortlisted entries in each category receive $5,000 tax-free.

A huge congratulations to Zana Fraillon on this huge win.