Where the River Runs Free Recognised as a CBCA Early Childhood Notable Book 2026

We are incredibly proud to share that Where the River Runs Free has been recognised as a CBCA Early Childhood Notable Book 2026 by the Children’s Book Council of Australia.

Each year, the CBCA highlights books of outstanding quality for young Australians. To be included among this year’s Early Childhood Notables is a meaningful honour and a celebration of the care, creativity and heart poured into this story.

Written by Vikki Conley and illustrated by Jedda Robaard, Where the River Runs Free is a lyrical and heartfelt journey along the water’s edge. Through gentle prose and beautifully detailed illustrations, young readers are invited to wander, to observe and to delight in the small wonders of the natural world.

It is a story of curiosity and connection, one that encourages children to slow down, explore and share moments of quiet magic together.

Being recognised as a CBCA Early Childhood Notable affirms the importance of stories that nurture imagination, empathy and a love of nature in the early years. We are so proud to see this book acknowledged on a national stage.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Vikki Conley and Jedda Robaard on this well-deserved recognition.

If you haven’t yet discovered Where the River Runs Free, there has never been a more perfect time to add this beautiful, award-recognised story to your home, classroom or library.

Available now.