BC authors named WIBA Finalists
August 05th, 2026
Two British Columbia children’s authors have been named finalists for the 2026 Whistler Independent Book Awards (WIBA).
Vancouver writer Paul Breau and Vancouver Island author Anna McCarthy have both secured spots in the Children’s category, highlighting the strength and diversity of BC’s vibrant independent publishing scene.
Jointly sponsored by The Writers’ Union of Canada, the annual awards recognize excellence in Canadian self-published literature across fiction, non-fiction, poetry and children’s books.
Paul Breau
Vancouver-based author Paul Breau earned his finalist nod for Surviving Summer Camp (Tki Productions, 2025). Breau, who writes fast-paced middle-grade fiction aimed at hooking reluctant readers, centers his work on relatable, humorous characters navigating the ups and downs of friendship and growing up. Outside of writing, Breau regularly conducts school visits and workshops across the region to help young students master the art of character development and plot construction.
Joining him on the shortlist is Comox Valley author Anna McCarthy for her picture book Giraffe in a Scarf (self-published, 2024), illustrated by UK-based artist Emma
Latham. A former physiotherapist and language teacher who has lived across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, McCarthy infuses her writing with a distinct lyrical rhythm drawn from her background in music and taiko drumming. Now settled on Vancouver Island, McCarthy channels her global perspectives and connection to the Pacific Northwest into stories designed to be read aloud.
Winners of the 2026 Whistler Independent Book Awards will be officially announced at the Whistler Writers Festival on November 6, 2026.
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