Children's literary scene

We are all familiar with the well publised NZ Post book awards but what about the other happening on the children's literary scene? Storylines foundation supports and promotes Children's literature in NZ. Each year it administers numerous awards to NZ authors and illustrators of children's literature. Whilst this may appear to be a bit of a drab subject I feel highlighting other literary achievements is worthwhile as it may be a pointer to a previously unexplored author.
The Gavin Bishop award is one sponsored by the publisher's Random House and is aimed at encouraging the production of a new, exciting picture book from a NZ illustrator. This new award was introduced last year and the inaugral winner being Harriet Bailey .

In 2002 the Joy Cowley Award was established and again is aimed at fostering quality picture books. In 2008, Michelle Osment won the award with "Tiny Miss Dotty and her Dotty Umbrella". A copy of this book can be found in the children's section in the library. This year's winner is Lucy Davey with "The Fidgety Itch". The sponsor of the Joy Cowley award is Scholastics so watch out for the publication in the book club catalogues or our library.

The Storylines Gaylene Gordon award was established in 1999,two years after her premature death due to illness. Gaylene was originally an english and drama teacher. She has written numerous books generally combining the genres of myth, fantasy and sci-fi for children of all ages. This award goes to a work of fiction which has stood the test of time and is still in print. Sheryl Jordan's "Wednesday Wizard" is the recipient of this best loved book awar


The Tom Fitzgibbon award was established by Storylines in 1995 in recognitin of the work Tom had done for children's literature. Tom was the head of the English Department at North Shore Teachers' College and established Children's literature Association of NZ. This award is presented to a NZ author whose audience is in the 8 to 13 age group and who has not previously had a novel published. In 1998 Vince Ford's writing career was launched when he received the award for his novel 2Much 4U. Leonie Agnew is this year's winner and you can read about her if you click here.

The Tessa Duder Award is a new initiative aimed at encouraging unpublished authors in the young-adult fiction category.The inaugral winner will be announced next year, the sponsor is Harper Collins NZ with Storylines as the administrator.