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'Bapa's Last Canoe' wins 2026 ASLA DANZ Award

Mon, Jul 27, 2026

Congratulations to Maree McCarthy Yoelu (author) and Samantha Campbell (illustrator) on winning the children's picture book category at the 2026 ASLA DANZ for their book, Bapa's Last Canoe.

The ASLA (Australian School Library Association) DANZ (Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand) Children’s Book Award recognises, awards, and celebrates diverse children’s literature across Australia and New Zealand. The award is judged by a panel of book loving children.

Bapa’s Last Canoe is a simple, heartfelt picture book about Bapa, the author’s grandfather, a traditional canoe maker, and the making of his last canoe. Bapa takes his three daughters (the author’s mother and aunties) away on a canoe ride to connect to family and Country for the last time before his daughters leave for school in the city.

They set off on the long journey and along the way they camp out and meet family, fish, roast periwinkles and longbums on the fire, tell stories and laugh.

“I love my country so much. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye, but I know one day we’ll all return… and we’ll sing, tell stories, fish and laugh again like we used to in Bapa’s canoe.”

About the creators

Maree McCarthy Yoelu is a Wadjigany woman, from the western Wagait region in the NT. She grew up in Daly River and now lives in Darwin where she works in radio. Liman is Maree’s grandfather. She writes to keep his stories and the Batjamalh language alive.

Samantha Campbell grew up in the Northern Territory and lives in Darwin. She is descended from the Dagiman people from Katherine and as a child lived in remote communities across the Top End. Samantha is an accomplished artist and talented designer. Alfred's War is the first book she has illustrated.