NZ Post Book Award winners for 2010.

The award winners were announced on 27th August 2010 and are as follows:

NZ Post Book of the Year Award goes to Judith Binney for 'Encircled Lands.'

The Fiction award was won by Alison Wong for 'As the Earth Turns Silver'.

Brian Turner was the winner of the poetry section with 'Just This'.

The illustrated non- fiction award went to Al Brown for 'Go Fish: Recipes and Stories from the New Zealand Coast. This book also took the people's choice award.

These books are available in the Matamata Piako District libraries. Come in and have a read.

The loblolly boy by James Norcliffe

This book is the winner of this year's junior section of the New Zealand Post book Awards. It is a fantasy set in present day about an unhappy boy who becomes a Loblolly boy: a human who doesn't exist in our world, a sort of ghost who can fly and go unnoticed by other humans. Initially this idea seems attractive and fun but it doesn't take long for the Loblolly boy to feel lonely. A view from a 'special' telescope provides him with images he is unable to explain until, by chance he meets up with a couple of girls who can see him. ' From here the plot twists and turns before ending favourably.
It all sounds very complicated but it is not because the plot is written simply and clearly. It is a book that will stimulate the young reader's mind and leave one wondering.

From an adults perspective the idea that 'the grass is always greener' is not always the case.

NZ Post Book Award Finalists 2010

The full list of these awards are:

Fiction:
As the earth turns silver by Alison Wong.
Limestone by Fiona Farrell.
Living as a moon by Owen Marshall.

Poetry:
Just this by Brian Turner.
The lustre jug by Bernadette Hall.
The tram conductor's blue cap by Michael Harlow.

General Non-Fiction
Aphrodite's Island by Anne Salmond.
Beyond the battlefield: New Zealand and its allies, 1939-1945 by General Hensley.
Cone ten down: studio pottery in New Zealand, 1945-1980 by Moyra Elliott and Damien Skinner.
Encircled lands: Te Urewera, 1820-1921 by Judith Binney.
The invention of New Zealand art and national identity, 1930-1970 by Francis Pond.

Illustated Non-Fiction:
Art at Te Papa edited by William McAloon.
Go fish: recipes and stories from the New Zealand coast by Al Brown.
Maori architecture:from fale to wharenui and beyond by Deidre Brown.
Marti Freelander by Leonard Bell.
Mr Kusich: the art of transformation by Alan Wright and Edward Hanfling.
The winners will be announced on August 27th 2010.

The New Zealand Society of Authors Best First Book Award winners are:
Anna Taylor for Relief [fiction].
Selina Tusitala Marsh for Fast talking PI[poetry].
Pip Desmond for A true story of women and gangs [Non-Fiction].

Anna Taylor and her book 'Relief'

Scanning the web this morning looking for the results of the finalists for the NZ Post book awards, I spied the name Anna Taylor: winner of the 2010 NZSA Hubert Church Best First Book Award for Fiction. I first discovered Anna Taylor last year through the Auckland Readers and Writers fest' and bought her book as soon after it was published. Relief is a collection of short stories which are simply written, showing rather than telling a story, thus allowing the mind to form its images of life and reality. The structure also mirrors the process of the thinking human mind. An idea is announced, expanded and reflected back on, after another idea is introduced. In her story 'Michael's fasting for christmas' Anna introduces the protagonist, through the eyes of Amy, as a health freak who is always on some sort of cleansing diet and infers that this is going to cause problems for the family on Christmas day: a day which HAS to be enjoyed, come what may. The main scene is crafted so well I am sure we could all relate to some aspect, even if it is just wearing the paper party hats. This ridiculousness of Christmas is juxtaposed by the weighty issue of death and the story ends leaving the reader reflecting on life.

There are 11 short stories in total, all beautifully crafted, demonstrating real-life situations with warmth and understanding and sometimes suspense: 'The Beekeeper' is based on a life event experienced by her mother.

Anna was born in 1982 and lives in Wellington. She completed the MA in creative writing at Victoria University in 2006.

A 'must read' book.

National Book Awards

Over the course of the year there have been some changes made to the Montana NZ book Awards. The sponsor for the event has changed with New Zealand Post taking over the main sponsorship. The awards are divided into four categories with 4 books-written by New Zealand authors- nominated in each section: Poetry, Fiction, Illustrated non-fiction and General Non-Fiction. There will be more judges on the panel, 'A book of the year' will be chosen from the finalists and there will be an opportunity for the readers to cast their vote with the 'Readers' Choice Award'.
On Tuesday 22nd June the finalists for the 2010 NZ Post book Awards will be announced........ Watch this space!

The Blue by Mary McCallum

A novel, based on detailed research, about a small community of whaling families on Arapawa Island in the Tory Channel between 1915 and 1938. The central character is Lilian a young Picton woman who has married an emotionally damaged WW I veteran whose family have farmed and whaled in the island for nearly a century. The parallel tales of other characters are also related and the tales leapfrog from the past to the present and vice versa which can make it a challenge to follow if you are reading it in "bits".
However, I read it in two readings - it is fairly short - which enables more of an immersion and I found it riveting particularly when I could make points of connection. The graphic description of the actual process of whaling and the thoughts and feelings of those involved was interesting from the modern perspective of Greenpeace and Save the Whales. However, as a child growing up on a farm where we slaughtered (the emotive connotations of that word!)and processed our own sheep and cattle I could empathise with the whalers and it emphasised for me how in the western world the majority of the population have become removed from the origin of their food - perhaps more would become vegetarian if they had to kill and process their own meat and fish.
Having recently seen "Home By Christmas" (Gaylene Preston's film) and having had a Grandfather who fought at Gallipoli - and survived - the storyline dealing with Ed and the Friar in Gallipoli had particular poignancy.
I feel Mary McCallum creates in memorable detail the "sense" of the inner thoughts of the people and how this can be quite different from the outer face they - and everyone - puts on to the outside world. Again, I could relate to - and vouch for - the authenticity of her detailed descriptions of Lilian's chooks and vegetable garden.
The version I read has an intriguing, complex cover - contrary to the popular saying this does influence me and I feel it does reflect the qualities of this novel.

NEW ZEALAND POST BOOK AWARD WINNERS

Judges 2010
2 Dec 2009
New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards Judges Announced

New Zealand’s premier children’s book awards judges are on the hunt for books that inspire a lifelong love of reading.

With more than 130 nominated books to choose from, children’s literature consultant Rosemary Tisdall, writer and reviewer Trevor Agnew, and former journalist, now children’s bookshop co-owner, Ruth McIntyre, have a long summer ahead of them as they select the very best in young reads to compete as finalists in the 2010 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards.

Mrs Tisdall, judging panel convenor for the Awards, which are now in their 14th year, says she’ll be looking for fresh ideas, characters who linger and books that leave her thinking long after she has closed it.
"We expect to see some excellent writing from New Zealand’s favourite and established authors, and we hope to discover some wonderful, new talent,” says Mrs Tisdall.

”We are looking to have our imaginations captured by books with a difference, so that the intended audience – the young people of New Zealand and beyond – will have reads that entice, teach, and therefore encourage a lifelong love of reading.”



The winners of the NZPost children's book awards for 2010 are:


Non-Fiction Category: E3 Call Home by Jane Hunt.

Picture Book Category: Old Hu-Hu by Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Rachel Driscoll

Te Reo edition: Hu-Hu Koroheke, translated by Katerina Te Heikoko Mataira.

Junior Fiction Caterory : The Loblolly Boy by James Norcliffe

Young Adult Fiction Caterory: The Blood of the Lamb: The Crossing by Mandy Hager

For more in formation about the winners of the Children's Choice Awards click here

Brian Falkner

Brian was born in Auckland in 1962 and has worked as a radio journalist, radio copywriter, a computer consultant and a graphic designer before embarking on a writing career.

Brian has aimed his novels at the intermediate, young adult male audience with his first novel ,"Henry and the Flea" [2003] centering around a 12 year old boy who wants to play professional rugby league. I have not read the book myself but it has been described as a 'spiffing read'.

In 2004 Brian's next book - "The real Thing" is an action packed novel about the coca-cola industry and what happens when 3 people who know the secret formula for coca-cola are kidnapped. Again the central character is a young boy. "

Super Freak" [2005], follows the story of Jacob John smith, a teenager who can not stay out of trouble.

"Tomorrow Code"[2008], is classed as a young adults book because the protagonists are teenagers. It's an exciting, thought provoking sci-fi book about real science and transmissions through time.

Brian's latest book "Brainjack" has been listed for the 2010 NZ post children's book awards.

Matamata Library are following Brian falkner's blog

To see if Brian is the winner of the young adult fiction section of the NZ post book awards click here

Jellybean by Tessa Duder

Geraldine's mother plays in the orchestra in a pub to earn extra money but poor old Geraldine is tired of having to fit in with her mothers cello practice and she is very lonley.One day at a rehearsal, Geraldine makes a friend called Gearald. The more she talks to him about the orchestra and being a conductor the more she wants to become one. The chances of her ever becoming a conductor is very low until one night at a preformance of The Nutcracker everything changes..............



I really enjoyed this book because it is a mystery to be solved about who Gearld is and is very intence and makes you want to keep reading on!

Fleur Beale

Fleur Beale has written over 20 novels since starting her writing career in 1980. She is a talented versatile writer and has been nominated on numerous occasions for book awards in both the junior and young adult fiction sections. Her young adult fiction books have a strong appeal to teenagers as she is able to portray her understanding of both male and female through her characters and the themes she writes about. Last year Fleur received the Esther Glen Award for distinguished contribution to children's literature.

To find out more about Fleur Beale click here

Banquo's Son by T.K.Roxborough

Here's another book review taken from the NZpost book awards, young adult section finalists. Banquo's Son has been reviewed by a teenage boy.

A real page turner, keeping you hooked until the very end. Banquo’s son is a great book with something for everyone. Action and adventure from Fleance’s great escape to stunning sword fights. But not without romanic flair or thrills this is definitely a must read. I really enjoyed all the action and how the book never stopped moving.

For more information about the sequel to Macbeth click here

End of the Alphabet by Fleur Beale

Following on from my last posting, this book has been listed as one of the finalists in the young adult fiction section. My 13 year old daughter was happy to write a review for me. How about some comments as to whether you agree with her or not.


End of the alphabet is an adventurous story about a young girl called Ruby, who finds out how to stand up for herself, and how to overcome her ‘embarrassing’ learning disability.

With her family drifting apart, her spoilt brother running away and her friends ignoring her, Ruby decides to get some ‘backbone.’ Read about the exciting life of Ruby Yarrow.

I really enjoyed this book….. So much that I read it twice! It shows that you can stand up for yourself and that people do care.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have!