With close to 130 books entered for the Awards in 2011, Christmas has come early for the three judges with enticing parcels of books arriving daily on their doorsteps. Ruth McIntyre, children's bookshop co-owner and former journalist; William Taylor, writer and former school principal; and children's librarian, Dee Brooker are this year's judges and will be assisted by Te Reo Advisor, Paora Tibble.
Ruth McIntyre, judging panel convenor for the 2011 Awards, said, "So far we have been delighted by the high standard of many of the books submitted, something which will make our task of whittling the nominations down to five in each category even more challenging."
"There is a wonderfully varied selection, with something to appeal to the tastes of all readers, including adults. The books cover a wide range of topics and we note a large number of sequels and retellings of old favourites with a uniquely Kiwi twist," said McIntyre.
The three judges will read works published in 2010, across all children's writing genre; from picture books for the very young, chapter books for junior and young adult readers and non-fiction reads for all age groups. Throughout the selection process, the judges will be on the lookout for the book that will take the coveted New Zealand Post Children's Book of the Year Award.
The 2011 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards finalists will be announced on 22 February 2011, with the winners to be named at an Awards Ceremony in Auckland on 18 May 2011. Children and teenagers will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite book, selecting from the 20 finalist titles, for the popular Children's Choice Award. Voting begins online at http://www.nzpostbookawards.co.nz/, and via voting cards available in bookshops, schools and libraries nationwide, when the finalists are announced on 22 February 2011.
The New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards Festival, a nationwide, week-long feast of events, readings, author tours and book-inspired games, kicks off on Monday 9 May 2011.
New Zealand Post has been a sponsor of the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards for 15 years. The partnership has seen the Awards flourish during this time. New Zealand Post's strong support of the Awards reflects its commitment to promote literacy and literature throughout the country. Working closely with Booksellers NZ and other dedicated segments of the community, New Zealand Post actively encourages Kiwi kids to read and enjoy books. For those with limited access to new works, New Zealand Post also purchases and distributes New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards finalist books through the Duffy Books in Homes programme each year.
The New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards are also supported by Creative New Zealand and Book Tokens (NZ) Ltd and are administered by Booksellers NZ.
Does anyone have any clue who Alix Bosco is? It might take a sleuth to find another sleuth. I know that we (one of my book groups) often speculate on who Alice Tawhai might be (a terrific short story writer who remains anonymous). It's quite impressive really in direct contrast to the current celebrity status given to many writers nowadays. I'm a big fan of Neil Cross and admire Vanda Symon's achievements hugely.
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