2018 Awards
PICTURE BOOK AWARD
Granny McFlitter the Champion Knitter
Published by: Puffin, Penguin Random House
Written by Heather Haylock and illustrated by Lael Chisholm
Granny bursts upon the scene, to the dismay of her family, which is fed-up with knitting. The rhyme dances and urges the reader along, through twists and turns flying as fast as Granny’s knitting needles. Lael Chisholm’s beautiful swirls and colour choices for the illustrations perfectly complement the bouncing rhyme and warm character of Granny McFlitter.
I am Jellyfish
Published by: Puffin, Penguin Random House
Illustrated and written by Ruth Paul
Jellyfish is a thoroughly original hero, a fragile but tenacious aquatic creature, who wafts and swirls through the ocean currents, encountering a diverse cast of characters, from the steely swordfish and unusual luminous fish to a splendidly pink giant squid. The pages are cleverly designed, changing orientation as we dive into the inky darkness of the watery depths, and young readers will love the glow-in-the-dark cover highlights.
That’s Not the Monster We Ordered
Published by: Puffin, Penguin Random House
Written by Richard Fairgray, Terry Jones and illustrated by Richard Fairgray
Neighbour rivalry and one-upmanship get a gentle poke in this fun tale about pet monsters. Turning advertising and reviews on their heads with sly humour and clever illustrations, the story has you laughing with every page. The story and illustrations perfectly complement each other, and the attention to detail rewards with something new to notice every time the book is picked up.
The Gift Horse
Published by: Millwood Press
Written by Sophie Siers and illustrated by Katharine White
A gentle story about a sad little girl and the horse she bonds with, which will sit with the reader long after it is finished. Sensitive pastel illustrations work well with the text, setting the emotional tone, and reflecting the themes of patience and grief. Layered with meaning, the story deals with complex emotions in a thoughtful way, giving readers a sense of hope that life will get better.
The Longest Breakfast
Published by: Gecko Press
Written by Jenny Bornholdt and illustrated by Sarah Wilkins
Waffles, cake, doughnuts and pudding are offered up in this captivating poem about breakfast. Every family will instantly recognise the perils of breakfast communication with a toddler. Playful illustrations in a warm colour palette make your mouth water as you turn the pages, trying to find out just what ‘toot’ and ‘buzz’ might mean. An engaging book with a light-hearted and amusing text.
WRIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION ESTHER GLEN AWARD FOR JUNIOR FICTION
How Not to Stop a Kidnap Plot
Published by: Scholastic New Zealand
Written by Suzanne Main
When Michael overhears some men plotting to kidnap a student at his school, he and Elvis decide they must prevent the crime, even if it is his sworn enemy Angus who is the victim. A series of misadventures and wild assumptions see them zipping across town by bike, staking out the school painters and breaking a few rules. This fast-paced romp will keep the reader wondering until the very end.
How to Bee
Published by: A & U Children, Allen & Unwin
Written by Bren MacDibble
Peony lives with Gramps and her sister Mags on the Boss’s orchard where she longs to be promoted to ‘bee’. But then Ma tries to take the unwilling Peony to work in the city. Peony is feisty and fiercely loyal, torn between her mother and the rest of the family, and her love for country life. This delicately balanced dystopian tale takes us to a future without bees, where children perform the essential task of pollination.
Lyla: Through My Eyes – Natural Disaster Zones
Published by: A & U Children, Allen & Unwin
Written by Fleur Beale and edited by Lyn White
A dramatic teen-view of the Christchurch earthquakes. Lyla is at the mall when the big quake strikes. Having lost touch with her friends and family, she finds her way home through a crumpled city. The long days and weeks that follow bring new challenges, and Lyla works with others to help with the clean-up and opening their home to those in need. A vivid insight into terrifying events and the impact on those who experienced them.
My New Zealand Story: Dawn Raid
Published by: Scholastic New Zealand
Written by Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith
The lively 1976 diary of 13-year-old Sofia. A shadow is cast when her brother gets involved with protests over the unjust treatment of Pacific Island overstayers. Then, on a trip to Auckland, the whole family is caught up in a terrifying police dawn raid. This becomes rich and emotional subject matter for Sofia’s entry in a dramatic speech competition. A warm, well-told story about a dark era in our history.
The Thunderbolt Pony
Published by: HarperCollins
Written by Stacy Gregg
When the small town of Parnassus is hit by the destructive Kaikōura earthquake, everyone must be evacuated. Evie’s injured mother is helicoptered out, but Evie refuses to leave her horse, cat and dog behind, and heads off with them on an intrepid journey across rugged terrain, torn apart by the quake. As she travels, Evie relives the recent death of her father, and deals with her OCD issues. A tale where bravery and resilience trump fear and injury.
COPYRIGHT LICENSING NZ AWARD FOR YOUNG ADULT FICTION
Because Everything is Right but Everything is Wrong
Published by: Escalator Press
Written by Erin Donohue
Caleb is a high school student with problems, big problems. Things are going on in his head which make life unpredictable and scary, but he has a friend, a mysterious girl who makes him feel better and keeps him on track. As Caleb’s problems escalate the reader cheers for him. A powerful and timely story of a young man in the grip of severe mental health problems, but with a message of hope and recovery.
Catch Me When You Fall
Published by: Penguin, Penguin Random House
Written by Eileen Merriman
A love story peppered with sadness and featuring two heroes who will break your heart and then mend it again. Alex meets Jamie at the same time as finding out that her leukaemia has returned. She discovers that he is bipolar, but he is also irresistible. It complicates things. Alex and Jamie sweep readers up and carry them with them in this story of love, struggle, courage and hope.
In the Dark Spaces
Published by: Hardie Grant Egmont
Written by Cally Black
This hostage drama set in the future in deep space has the reader guessing right to the end, and is suffused with suspicion and secrecy. Its heroine, Tamara, has guts and intelligence, and above all a strong will to survive and to fight to save her family at any cost. Unusual and scary, the story is also full of kindness and heart. An extremely memorable book that will appeal to science fiction fans of all ages.
Sticking with Pigs
Published by: OneTree House
Written by Mary-anne Scott
Wolfy’s complicated home life is hard, and an invitation to go pig-hunting with his uncle provides an opportunity for excitement and adventure. When things go awry, it suddenly becomes terrifying. Wolfy has to dig deep to find the courage to save his uncle and get help. A true New Zealand story, action-packed and completely realistic, with beautifully evoked relationships between characters.
The Traitor and the Thief
Published by: Walker Books Australia
Written by Gareth Ward
When Sin is caught thieving in the market, he is taken to a special school to learn new skills. These skills will put his life in danger but they will also save him. He will learn who to trust, and earn a new life packed with adventure and excitement. This book is full of action, fun, secrets, spy-craft, derring-do, untrustworthy classmates, a cast-iron set of rules, steampunk goodness and a dose of thrills.
