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Winners New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2021

Margaret Mahy Book of the Year

 Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea by T K Roxborogh

 Development of a port is degrading the ocean and has reignited tension between the Māori gods, throwing both the human world and the realm of the gods into chaos. A ponaturi, a sea goblin, believes that Charlie Tangaroa straddles the two worlds and that only he can restore calm. Somehow Charlie must find a way to reunite the gods and stop the destruction. Believable, gripping and thoroughly enjoyable.

 

 

 

  

Picture book Award

 Kōwhai and the Giants written and illustrated by Kate Parker

Based on a shadow box exhibition at the Arataki Visitor Centre in 2016/17, Kate Parker’s illustrations capture a sense of their original three dimensions, using a palette from kauri browns to kōwhai golds. These accompany a poetic text, which tells us of Kōwhai’s attempt to carry a message from the threatened kauri giants to the people. This gentle environmental story captured the judges’ hearts, both for its call to action and the original illustrations. They described the book as a classic in the making, delivering an important message for future generations in an engaging manner.

 

 

 

Wright family foundation Esther Glen award for junior fiction

 Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea by T K Roxborogh

 Development of a port is degrading the ocean and has reignited tension between the Māori gods, throwing both the human world and the realm of the gods into chaos. A ponaturi, a sea goblin, believes that Charlie Tangaroa straddles the two worlds and that only he can restore calm. Somehow Charlie must find a way to reunite the gods and stop the destruction. Believable, gripping and thoroughly enjoyable.

 

 

 

  

Young Adult Fiction Award

 The Pōrangi Boy by Shilo Kino 

The voice of the small-town New Zealand teen is effortlessly captured in a hard-hitting story of what it is to be young and on the outside. Even though ‘pōrangi’ (‘crazy’) boy Niko’s life is touched by hardship at school and at home, he never stops fighting to uphold his ideals. Shilo Kino’s deft hand brings to life characters that the reader can easily recognise and love.

 

 

 

 

Elsie Locke award for Non-Fiction Award

 Egg and Spoon: An Illustrated Cookbook by Alexandra Tylee

Equally appealing to the gourmet and child chef alike, Egg and Spoon is full of tasty recipes, and even more palatable illustrations. Clear instructions are paired with intentionally ‘messy’ pictures in this playful cookbook that will have you wanting to dog-ear pages, spill batter, and most of all, cook. Including tips on foraging and kitchen basics, this is a delightful read, even out of the kitchen! 

  

 

 

Russell Clark award for illustration

 Hare & Ruru by Laura Shallcrass

Hare needs to find quiet. Everywhere there is noise, and so Hare sets off on a journey to find peace and stillness. The theme of mindfulness is captured in a story that encourages readers to consider Hare’s feelings. With good pace, beautifully designed spreads, and stunning images that evoke emotion, this is a gentle book for children and adults who know what it is like to be anxious.

 

  

 

 

Wright family foundation  Te Kura Pounamu award for Te Reo Māori

He kōrero ātaahua nei o ngā taniwha e rua, ko Ngake me Whātaitai. This is a wonderful journey for the reader in acknowledging the formation of Te Whanganui a Tara. Through storytelling, children learn about the pūtaiao of the hidden movements within Papatūānuku, and how these beautiful Māori placenames were given – “Ka tapaina ko Te Whatu Wai Moana.” This book encourages youth to aspire to new heights through the art of reading, literacy and writing. Ko te reo kia rere, ko te reo kia tika, ko te reo kia Māori. The author personifies this through the use of the tangata whenua mita, and the illustrator’s graphic interpretation lifts the quality of the kupu and kōrero to new horizons.

 

 

 

Best first Book Award

 Kōwhai and the Giants written and illustrated by Kate Parker

Based on a shadow box exhibition at the Arataki Visitor Centre in 2016/17, Kate Parker’s illustrations capture a sense of their original three dimensions, using a palette from kauri browns to kōwhai golds. These accompany a poetic text, which tells us of Kōwhai’s attempt to carry a message from the threatened kauri giants to the people. This gentle environmental story captured the judges’ hearts, both for its call to action and the original illustrations. They described the book as a classic in the making, delivering an important message for future generations in an engaging manner.