A Symphony of Stories Drawing and Writing Competition.
Opens 1 June 2026.
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) and Inner West Libraries celebrate Book Week by inviting children to step into their own story.
This year's theme is Symphony of Stories, a wonderful world where books burst open and amazing characters from every kind of story leap out.
Children in grades K-2 are asked to draw a picture of a wonderful world filled with colourful characters.
Children in grades 3-6 are asked to write a short story about a wonderful world filled with colourful characters
Competition runs Monday 1 June – Tuesday 4 August. There are prizes to be won, and winning entries will be published here.
How to enter
Children in grades K-2
Download an entry from and draw a picture of a wonderful world filled with colourful characters.
Children in grades 3-6
Download and entry from and write a short story about a wonderful world filled with colourful characters.
Entries can be submitted at any Inner West Council Library or scanned and sent via email to bookweek@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
1. The artwork or story submitted must relate to the theme ‘Symphony of Stories’
2. Any child from grades K to 2 can enter the Drawing Competition and any child from grades 3 to 6 can enter the Writing Competition.
3. There is a 3-page limit for the writing competition. If entrants need extra writing space, additional sheets of paper can be attached to original entry form. Writing entrants may also include an illustration that supports their story. Drawing entrants may include writing that supports their drawing.
4. Entries must be received on or before Tuesday 4 August 2026. Winners will be notified by Friday 21 August 2026. Only winners will be notified.
5. Entries must not be partly or wholly generated by Artificial Intelligence and generative AI tools must not be used. Drawings and stories must have been produced by the entrant.
6. Entries will be judged by the competition organisers. Against a set of criteria, judges will be looking for the most interesting, entertaining, or thought-provoking entries. Judge’s decision is final.
7. Only winning entries can be returned.
8. Additional information is needed when entering a story or drawing:
(a) Full Name
(b) Contact Details
(c) School
9. By entering the competition, the entrant agrees that their drawing or story is original and does not infringe any third-party intellectual property right(s).
10. Entrants grant Inner West Council a free, worldwide, non-exclusive, irrevocable license for the use of their story or drawing for Council purposes.