Once I was a Giant by Zeno Sworder

Zeno Sworder and Thames & Hudson Australia have skillfully produced a picture book that transcends age, extending the idea of what picture books are and who they are for.

This is my fourth post about this splendid book Once I was a Giant - I have never penned four posts about one book but now that Once I was a Giant and Zeno Sworder have WON the Book of the Year ABIA award I just need to celebrate all over again.

Here is the book cover again with all the award stickers!

Awards: Victorian Premier's Literary Award Winner; CBCA Picture Book of the Year short list 2026; Bologna Ragazzi Awards Amazing Bookshelf selection; Australian Booksellers Association 2026 shortlist; ABIA (Australian Book Industry Award) 2026 Winner

It is rare for a children's book to win the main ABIA award although Bluey at the Beach was the winner in 2020; Nevermoor in 2018; and Shaun Tan's book The Arrival won Australian Book of the year for Older Children in 2006. I wasn't able to find all the past winners so this is just a selection. 

Children's author Andrea Rowe said on Instagram: "If there was ever a moment for our Australian Kidlit community to collectively hug each other and lift an author / illustrator aloft on our shoulders while chanting, it's this moment. Zeno we are so thrilled for you. ... And once more for the people at the back who ask if children's writers are going to write grown-up books - a children's book just won the ABIA award BOOK OF THE YEAR."

Now check out my previous posts:

19th September 2025

21st September 2025

18th March 2026

Thinking again about Once I was a Giant ff you subscribe to Magpies Magazine here in Australia I have to say I was quite dismayed to read the review of Once I was a Giant in May 2026 Vol 41 No. 2 page 35. This reviewer clearly has a different opinion to mine and many other reviewers/bloggers/critics. You might compare her comments with the review from Magpies Magazine Volume 41 No. 1 page 34 which I have referenced in my 18th March blog post (link above).

The Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) are publishers' and literary awards held by the Australian Publishers Association (APA) annually in Australia since 2001. The awards celebrate "the achievements of authors and publishers in bringing Australian books to readers". Award recipients are first selected by an academy of more than 200 industry professionals, and then a shortlist and winners are chosen by judging panels. ABIA present 14 book awards, eight business awards, and the Lloyd O’Neil and Pixie O’Harris awards. Read more about the judging process here.

I should also mention a few of the other ABIA winners:

Of course I am thrilled with the 2022 overall winner!