NZ Book Awards for Young Readers: Illustration Award

A wide variety of illustration styles reflect a diverse collection of stories contending for the Russell Clark illustration award. Click on the titles for more catalogue information.

Atua: Māori Gods and Heroes by Gavin Bishop
It isn’t surprising to see this stunning book on the Russell Clark shortlist – it’s also up for a Non-Fiction Award. According to the blurb, the illustrations ‘not only stimulate the eyes but also the emotions’ – surely the hallmark of an accomplished illustrator like Gavin Bishop. You may be interested to learn that he has won this award four times before.

The Eight Gifts of Te Wheke by Steph Matuku, illustrated b Laya Mutton-Rogers
The story of how young Tamati tries to trick Te Wheke in order to rescue his little sister is also shortlisted for the Picture Book prize. The illustrations with their detail and colour draw the reader into Te Wheke’s world, where the giant octopus has amassed all kinds of treasure.

My Cat Can See Ghosts by Emily Joe
Newby author Emily Joe’s first picture book is also shortlisted in the Picture Book category. What is the cat staring at? And what makes it chase after thin air? Perhaps it really can see ghosts. Cat owners young and old will recognise the crazy cat behaviour depicted in these illustrations, particularly through the expressive feline eyes.

Mokopuna Matatini by Pania Tahau-Hodges, illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse
This author/illustrator duo is also in the running for a Picture Book Award for The Greatest Haka Festival on Earth. Another story about kapa haka, Mokopuna Matatini brings this world to life through use of vibrant colour and invigorating design. You can hear the music as you turn the pages.

Moose the Pilot by Kimberly Andrews
As Moose flies off to distant places, delivering parcels as he goes, the reader travels too, exploring the rich details of the landscapes he visits. Kimberly Andrews has previously won this award for Puffin the Architect and a nomination for Hound the Detective. There’s a bit of a theme here and kids will love the representation of these animal characters.

12 July 2022

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