Children's and Young Adults Book Awards 2023: Finalists for Best Books of the Year for Young NZ Readers
PICTURE BOOK AWARD
Duck Goes Meow
Written by Juliette McIver, illustrated by Carla Martell
Juliette McIver won the picture book category of the 2017 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults with That’s Not a Hippopotamus! Carla Martell is also the illustrator of books by Dunedin writer Emma Wood and Otago born writer and performer Deano Yipadee.
Farewell Anahera
Written by Vanessa Hatley-Owen, illustrated by Scott Irvine, translated by Kanapu Rangitauira.
This bilingual picture book follows the wairua (spirit) of Anahera as she journeys from her marae to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga).
How My Koro Became a Star
Written by Brianne Te Paa, illustrated by Story Jemi-Morehouse
About a young boy whose Koro (grandfather) teaches him about Matariki and the traditions associated with acknowledging it. Also published in Te Reo Māori and shortlisted for the 2023 NZCYA Te Kura Pounamu Award as Kua Whetūrangitia a Koro.
Roo and Vladimir: An Unlikely Friendship
Written and illustrated by Minky Stapleton
First time author Minky has illustrated several picture books including Things in the Sea are Touching Me! which was a 2019 NZCYA finalist.
The Lighthouse Princess
Written by Susan Wardell, illustrated by Rose Northey
This is a debut picture book for Dunedin-based writer and poet Susan Wardell and Wellington-based comedian, poet, and illustrator Rose Northey. Rose was the recipient of the 2021 Storylines Gavin Bishop Award. This picture book is also shortlisted for the 2023 NZCYA Russell Clark Award for Illustration and the 2023 NZSA Best First Book Award.
WRIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION ESTHER GLEN AWARD FOR JUNIOR FICTION
Below
Written by David Hill
A survival story based underground. Well-known writer David Hill has won several awards for his writing and services to children's publishing. He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2004, and in 2021 he received the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in Fiction.
Children of the Rush
Written by James Russell
Best known for his series Dragon Defenders, James Russell has started a new series of historical adventures with this book set in 1861 in Gabriel's Gully, Otago.
Jason Mason and the World’s Most Powerful Itching Powder
Written by Jason Gunn and Andrew Gunn
Well-known TV host and celebrity Jason Gunn and his brother Andrew have penned a humorous story about an average kid who just happens to be a secret agent.
Masher
Written by Fifi Colston
Writer, illustrator, and Wearable Arts winning designer, and recipient of the 2019 fellowship at the University of Otago for children's writing, Fifi Colston has produced a warm and funny novel about animal companions, imaginary friends, perceived enemies, and finding your happy place.
Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain
Written by Tim Tipene, illustrated by Isobel Te Aho-White
This is the first in an illustrated fiction series starring Pipi and Pou and their Nana, who are kaitiaki with a superhero difference! In this story they journey through the forest, meet amazing friends, and try to calm a mountain before it's too late. Followed by Pipi and Pou and the River Monster.
YOUNG ADULT FICTION AWARD
Andromeda Bond in Trouble Deep
Written by Brian Falkner
This science fiction sequel to Brainjack stars 12-year-old Andromeda who plays a live-streamed video game that becomes a real life battle for life and death.
Eddy, Eddy
Written by Kate De Goldi
This is a crossover* coming of age story, a love story, an earthquake story and a story of finding your way back from grief. The novel loosely mirrors A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and keen readers will spot many bookish references.
*Some crossover novels are shelved in Adult Fiction collections.
Indigo Moon
Written by Eileen Merriman
This is the first in a new science fiction series (with time travel and genetic engineering), Eternity Loop, by Eileen Merriman. The sequel is Time's Raven.
Iris and Me
Written by Philippa Werry
A verse novel that tells the true adventures of Iris Wilkinson, better known as writer Robin Hyde.
Miracle
Written by Jennifer Lane
Another crossover* novel, set in rural Australia, starring 14-year-old Miracle as she fights to save her dysfunctional family, to overcome false accusations, financial hardship and ruin.
ELSIE LOCKE AWARD FOR NON-FICTION FINALISTS
A New Dawn
Written by Emeli Sione, illustrated by Darcy Solia
Emeli Stone shares her Dawn Raid story to help us understand the real impact of this dark time in our history.
Freestyle: The Israel Adesanya Story
Written by David Riley, illustrated by Ant Sang
Tells the story of UFC** champion Israel Adesanya. It details his family's move from Nigeria to New Zealand for a better future and how Israel fulfilled his parents' dreams in the most unexpected way.
**Ultimate Fighting Championship - a mixed martial arts competition.
Sylvia and the Birds
Written by Johanna Emeney, illustrated by Sarah Laing
Part graphic biography, part practical guide to protecting our bird wildlife, this remarkable book is fully committed to detailing the wonders of our native birds, the threats they face and how we can help them. Based on the life of 'The Bird Lady', Sylvia Durrant, who helped over 140,000 sick, injured and lost birds during her lifetime, it inspires a reverence for the natural world and is a call to action to all young ecologists and environmentalists.
Te Wehenga: The Separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku
Written and illustrated by Mat Tait
Te Wehenga is the separation of Ranginui, Sky-Father, and Papatūānuku,
Earth-Mother. The Reo Māori and English are woven together in a
seamless bilingual approach to the text, with visceral illustrations
underlining the mana of the story. Also shortlisted for the 2023 NZCYA Russell Clark Award for Illustration.
Weather and Climate New Zealand
Written by Sandra Carrod
In this info-packed addition to The NZ Series, Sandra Carrod explores the main elements of New Zealand's climate and weather in global, regional and local terms. The book answers questions such as: What's in a weather system? How do you read a weather chart? In what ways does our weather and climate differ from other parts of the world? And what are the indicators of climate change in New Zealand?
RUSSELL CLARK AWARD FOR ILLUSTRATION
A Portrait of Leonardo
Illustrated and written by Donovan Bixley
Subtitled, The Life and Times of Leonardo da Vinci: A Literary Picture Book, this is the third in Donovan Bixley's in-depth, informative and amusingly illustrated Literary Picture Book series that appeals to all ages. The previous titles are Mozart: The Man Behind the Music and Much Ado About Shakespeare.
Four Yaks and a Yeti
Illustrated by Ant Sang, written by Peter Hillary
High in the foothills of the Himalayas, a young Nepalese boy, Lhakpa, and his four loyal yaks - Yak, Nak, Zopchok and Zum - embark on a perilous journey to find the mythical castle, Shangri-La.
Roar Squeak Purr
Illustrated by Jenny Cooper, edited by Paula Green
Prolific illustrator Jenny Cooper has illustrated this New Zealand treasury of over 200 animal poems. In between the covers of this book you will meet creatures large and
small. They might pad, or skitter, swoosh or soar. They could be fuzzy,
feathery, suckery, scaly or spiky. These animals might roar or squeak or purr. Just like the animals they are about, these poems come in
all shapes and sizes!
Te Wehenga: The Separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku
Illustrated and written by Mat Tai
See above under the 2023 NZCYA Russell Clark Award for Illustration shortlist.
The Lighthouse Princess
Illustrated by Rose Northey and written by Susan Wardell
See above under the 2023 NZCYA Picture Book Award shortlist.
WRIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION TE KURA POUNAMU AWARD FOR TE REO MĀORI
He Raru ki Tai
Written by Jane Cooper, illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse
An adventure story set in seventeenth-century Tamaki Makaurau Auckland
when the hapu of Nga Oho/Nga Iwi predominated. Armed with the courage of
their convictions, two girls embark on a perilous journey to challenge
their leaders' actions. Also published in an English language version: To Trap a Taniwha. Also shortlisted for the 2023 NZSA Best First Book Award.
Kua Whetūrangitia a Koro
Written by Brianne Te Paa, illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse
See plot description above under the 2023 NZCYA Picture Book Award shortlist for How My Koro Became a Star.
Te Kōkōrangi: Te Aranga o Matariki
Written by Witi Ihimaera, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, translated by Hēni Jacob
Award-winning writer Witi Ihimaera tells the story of when the Astromancer looks for four new apprentices to learn about Matariki and the Maramataka calendar. She chooses three boys and an orphan girl, Aria. These are dangerous times, and Ruatapu the Ravenous is about to threaten the safety of the whole tribe. Will Aria step up to save them? The English language version is published as: The Astromancer: The Rising of Matariki.
NZSA BEST FIRST BOOK AWARD
Echo
Written by Arlo Kelly
16-year-old Arlo Kelly is one of the youngest ever shortlisted authors of the book awards. His first published novel is about a visually impaired boy Eric, who loves his quiet life living on a remote beach on the east coast of New Zealand. Eric's life is about to change after a chance encounter.
Holding the Horse
Written by J. L. Williams
14-year-old Sid Everett is desperate to become a famous jockey, but his dad, for some reason, is totally against the idea. Sid's dad is back from WWII, but it's not the kind of homecoming the family had hoped for. Dad's return brings fear, not comfort, and for some reason he thwarts Sid's every attempt to become a jockey.
He Raru ki Tai
Written by Jane Cooper, illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse
See above in the 2023 NZCYA Te Kura Pounamu Award shortlist.
Kidnap at Mystery Island
Written by Carol Garden
A gripping futuristic, kidnap adventure story, set in a time after the great global Environment Revolution of 2072. Readers enter a high-tech world of eco criminals, artificial islands,
global warming, rising seas and patrolling coastal rangers.
The Lighthouse Princess
Written by Susan Wardell, illustrated by Rose Northey
See above in the 2023 NZCYA Picture Book Award shortlist.
Congratulations to all of the 2023 shortlisted books' authors and illustrators.