2020 Awards
PICTURE BOOK AWARD
Abigail and the Birth of the Sun
Published by: Puffin, Penguin Random House
Written by Matthew Cunningham and illustrated by Sarah Wilkins
Is it a book about science? Or magic? Or family? Yes, yes, and yes! This is a beautiful story about a curious child who goes on an adventure with her father to discover the origins of the universe. Abigail and the Birth of the Sun captures the child-like wonder of big questions and big possibilities. Swirling dream-like illustrations complement the text excellently and leave little treasures for the reader to discover.
How Māui Slowed the Sun
Published by: Upstart Press
Written and illustrated by Donovan Bixley, advised and translated by Darryn Joseph and Keri Opai
The familiar myth of how Māui slowed the sun is given a modern twist, with humour injected into this quintessential New Zealand story to lend it a new friendly and fun appeal. Donovan Bixley’s illustrations burst with life and colour, with vivid settings and characters that are detailed and full of personality, and an almost-cartoonish quality which is ultimately appealing and endearing.
Mini Whinny: Goody Four Shoes
Published by: Scholastic New Zealand
Written by Stacy Gregg and illustrated by Ruth Paul
Mini Whinny may be grubby, petulant, and more than a little bit naughty, but we can all empathise with her jealousy over the new arrival at Blackthorn Stables. This gentle tale of envy, misperception and friendship is perfectly paced, with cliff-hangers on nearly every page and delightful dialogue and humour. The cute illustrations capture all Mini Whinny’s big emotions in a way that is sure to make readers of all ages smile.
Santa's Worst Christmas
Published by: Huia Publishers
Written by Pania Tahau-Hodges, Bryony Walker and illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
With some good old kiwi caring and ingenuity, an extended whānau saves the day for Santa and everyone else. Bursting with joy and packed with unique writing ideas — from hilarious letters to Santa to alarming newspaper articles — this book will appeal to both young readers and the more sophisticated Santa fans. The vivid illustrations are packed with detail, and are sure to lead to new laughs every time this book is read.
The Gobbledegook Book
Published by: Gecko Press
Written by Joy Cowley and illustrated by Giselle Clarkson
Some of Joy Cowley’s best short stories and poems for children are brought together in one artfully presented anthology. Giselle Clarkson’s energetic illustrations perfectly capture the hilarity, joy and spirit of Cowley’s unparalleled word painting, humour and playful rhymes. Beautifully designed and well selected, each piece feels like its own adventure. This fresh collection is sure to spark the creative juices of many future writers.
WRIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION ESTHER GLEN AWARD FOR JUNIOR FICTION
#Tumeke!
Published by: Annual Ink, Massey University Press
Written by Michael Petherick
The Newtoun Community Waitangi Day Festival is going to take a lot of organising! Thankfully there are a host of memorable characters willing to help out. Who would have thought a library notice board could inspire innovation, friendship and romance — not to mention some sick beats? #Tumeke! is a multimedia surprise packed with poetry, lyrics, emails, emojis, illustrations and engaging storylines. A fresh, unique take on storytelling.
Lizard's Tale
Published by: Text Publishing
Written by Weng Wai Chan
Lizard’s Tale is a fast-paced story set in crowded, culturally diverse Singapore during World War Two. Lizard is a poor boy who is trying to track down a missing uncle. In the process he accidentally gets caught up in a dangerous world of espionage, covert missions, secret codes and daring escapes. Weng Wai Chan presents an exciting read packed with historical detail, nail-biting adventure and convincing characters.
Moonlight the Unicorn's High Tea Hiccup
Published by: Scholastic New Zealand
Written by Sally Sutton and illustrated by Kirsten Richards
When Sophia and Claire are invited to a high tea by the Honorary Great Aunties, they’re looking forward to a pleasant afternoon of triangle sandwiches, delicious savouries and fancy cakes. Unfortunately, the unexpected addition of six little horses turns the occasion into one big mess! Another delightful addition to Sally Sutton’s Miniwings stable, this is a funny story with charming illustrations, ideal for younger readers or as a read aloud.
Prince of Ponies
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers
Written by Stacy Gregg
Mira, a refugee living in present day Berlin, discovers a spirited stallion owned by Zofia and yearns to ride him. Zofia offers to coach Mira, telling her own story of danger, escape and adventure during World War Two. Stacy Gregg combines historical fact and thrilling fiction in an unforgettable story about two girls brought together by the horrors of war, and the loyalty and love of magnificent horses.
Time Machine and other stories
Published by: Ahoy!, The Cuba Press
Written by Melinda Szymanik
This refreshing collection of short stories from Melinda Szymanik will engage a young reader’s attention and inspire further discussion. From everyday adventures to the wonderfully weird and fantastical, the diverse tales will take you on a journey of the unexpected. Monsters under the bed, lost dogs, pirate-ship shenanigans, and crocodile revenge — these are just some of the challenges the author’s characters face with bravery, intellect and luck.
YOUNG ADULT FICTION AWARD
Afakasi Woman
Published by: OneTree House
Written by Lani Wendt Young
Lani Wendt-Young tackles a wide range of challenging topics across this short story collection, in ways that will provoke much discussion among teenage readers. The writing is clean, bold and willing to play with moral ambiguity. This is a powerful and compelling read that, while uncomfortable at times, always focuses on putting the voice of Polynesian women front and centre, with evocative scene-setting throughout.
Aspiring
Published by: Annual Ink, Massey University Press
Written by Damien Wilkins
Ricky is growing up too fast, in the most literal sense. The 6’7” 15-year-old from tourist trap Central Otago is handling school, work, basketball and a verbose perpetual internal monologue — all alongside the mysteries inherent in a town bursting at the seams with new arrivals. Damien Wilkins has a proven track record in the adult literary fiction space, and here he capably carries over his sophisticated but unpretentious style in a way that will appeal to teens and adults alike.
The History Speech
Published by: Huia Publishers
Written by Mark Sweet
A slice of Aotearoa Gothic for the young adult reader. In 1960s provincial New Zealand, Callum Gow is right on the divide between childhood and adulthood, and everything that entails. Clean and crisp writing allows plenty to happen between the lines. It doesn’t shy away from issues such as racism and child abuse, and is a deeply rewarding read for mature teens who can connect to Callum’s emotional journey and development.
Ursa
Published by: Walker Books Australia
Written by Tina Shaw
Tina Shaw’s page-turner is destined to appeal to fans of both dystopian and fantasy young adult fiction. She handles issues of class, power and privilege in a way that is both familiar and refreshing, making this a moving read for any teen looking for a new literary revolution to fire them up. ‘Cerel’ Leho’s befriending of upper echelon Emee is the catalyst for big change — and not just for the teens themselves.
Wynter’s Thief
Published by: OneTree House
Written by Sherryl Jordan
Outsiders Wynter and Fox are drawn together by chance, but their journey into a new shared future reveals secrets from their respective pasts, some so long dormant as to have been forgotten. This slice-of-medieval-life historical fiction has just the right twist of elemental magic, with a solid story that grows and swells in speed and significance as it goes along. Sherryl Jordan carefully walks the balance between evocative historical language and accessible, enriching descriptive writing.
