2021 Winners Announced

Children’s book awards Reviews 2021

Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen award for Junior Fiction

Charlie Tangaroa and the creature from the sea by T.K.Roxborough

On a beach clean-up Charlie one-legged and his half-brother Robbie find a Ponaturi (a mermaid) washed up on the beach. An ancient grudge between the Maori Gods Tane and Tangaroa has fired up because a port is being built in the bay and is degrading the ocean and creatures are fleeing the sea. This has reignited anger between the gods. The human world and the realm of the Gods is thrown into turmoil. The Ponaturi believes Charlie is the only one who can stop the destruction because his stump is a sign that he straddles both worlds. So begins Charlie’s journey to finds a way to unite the gods………..and discover why he is the one for the task.

Elsie Locke Award for Non-fiction

Egg and Spoon: an illustrated cookbook by Alexandra Tylee and illustrated by Giselle Clarkson

A lovely collection of healthy recipes for children (and adults) with an occasional sweet treat. Includes school snacks, breakfast on a stick, cakes, slices and dinners. Most of the recipes are gluten free and vegan. Designed to give children confidence and fun with cooking. Beautifully illustrated by Giselle Clarkson.

“A gem filled with colour, humour and wonder and treats children as capable, clever human beings” the Sapling.

Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu award for Te Reo Maori

Ngake me Whataitai by Ben Ngaia and illustrated by Laya Mutton-Rogers

This is a traditional story told in Te Reo Maori from the perspective of the Kahu Maunga people about Ngata and Whataiati, These two Taniwha lived in Te Whanganui –a- Tara Wellington Harbour long before the ancestral immigrants. The story tells of how the shape and landscape of Wellington’s harbour and the Lower Hutt area came about because of the actions of Ngata and Whataitai.

Russell Clark Award for Illustration

Hare & Ruru : a quiet moment

Illustrated and written by Laura Shallcrass

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book, which tackles a tricky subject in a quiet and caring way. Hare finds the world very noisy and he goes on a quest to see if he can find somewhere where it is quieter and he can recover. He meets Ruru, who helps him find peace in a busy world. This story looks at worries for children in a gentle way and includes notes for teachers and parents at the end. Waimakariri Libraries also has: Ko Hea Rāua ko Ruru, translated by Ngaere Roberts.

Picture Book Award and Best First Book Award

Kōwhai and the Giants

Written and illustrated by Kate Parker

“Kōwhai and the giants” is a story of hope, as well as loss. The forest was vast and healthy and over time it has been cut down. But Kōwhai tells the story of someone small making a real difference.This book has gorgeous illustrations and I love the way the illustrations draw

the viewer in. Who knew that such a limited colour palette could create such emotion in the viewer? The addition of a suggestion to “plant a seed today” reinforces the hope portrayed in the story.

Young Adult Fiction award

The Pōrangi boy, by Shilo Kino

Niko lives in a small rural community in Northland. His mum has addiction issues, so he spends a lot of time with his tūpuna tāne. Some in the community call his grandfather Pōrangi for believing in the Taniwha that lives in the sacred waters near the village. Niko has great respect and aroha for his grandfather, and after meeting the Taniwha himself, agrees to protest against plans for a prison to be built on the tapu site. To do this, Niko must overcome bullies and his own lack of self-belief. This story is enriched with authentic characters and convincing voices, and will inspire young people to ignore those who would put you down as you stand up for your whānau and your whenua. To find out more about the real story that inspired this book, you can explore the Kaikohe area on TeAra (the encyclopedia of New Zealand) or have a look at the website for the Ngawha Springs.