It was a big night in the New Zealand literary world last night as the book world fans and glitterati got together to celebrate the best in literature for children and young adults, with some very worthy winners announced.
There's been a lot of work by publishers around the world in recent years to have more representation in stories, with a recognition in children's books especially for readers to be able to see themselves in the books that they read.
That's where local book awards like these are so important, to recognise and nuture the talent who can provide own voice stories, and books featuring the cultural experiences of our young readers.
With so many worthy nominees this year it must have been a very difficult choice for the judges to narrow the field down to one winner in each category, but choose they must, and below are the winners of the 2021 #NZCYA. Huge congratulations to all who were nominated, and to the worthy winners!
Russell Clark Award for Illustration
Hare & Ruru: A quiet moment. Written by Laura Shallcrass (Beatnik Publishing)
Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for te reo Māori
Ngake me Whātaitai. Written by Ben Ngaia, illus by Laya Mutton-Rogers (Huia Publishers)
Best First Book Award
Kōwhai and the Giants. Written by Kate Parker (Mary Egan Publishing).
Margaret Mahy Book of the Year Award
Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea. Written by T K Roxborogh, illus by Phoebe Morris (Huia Publishers)
Picture Book Award
Kōwhai and the Giants. Written by Kate Parker (Mary Egan Publishing)
Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction
Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea written by T K Roxborogh, illus by Phoebe Morris (Huia Publishers)
Young Adult Fiction Award
The Pōrangi Boy. Written by Shilo Kino (Huia Publishers)
Elsie Locke Award for Nonfiction
Egg and Spoon: An illustrated cookbook. Written by Alexandra Tylee, illus by Giselle Clarkson (Gecko Press)
Available at all good bookstores - shop and support local!