Submissions are now being called for the 2011 LIANZA Children’s Book Awards.

Background
LIANZA is the professional body for New Zealand library, information and knowledge professionals. It offers professional leadership, publications on important issues and contributes to and participates in the development of the profession.

These awards, funded by LIANZA, are an opportunity for the library profession to encourage the quality work of New Zealand children’s authors who help individuals, and thereby communities, to flourish and grow.

Key Dates
Monday 14th February 2011 Submission details available
Friday 18th March 2011 Submission Deadline
Monday 30th May 2011 Finalists announced
Monday 8th August 2011 Awards Ceremony
Caffe L’affare, Wellington


The LIANZA Children’s Book Awards:

The Esther Glen Award recognises a distinguished contribution to literature for children aged 0-15, by an author who is a citizen of New Zealand. This award is the oldest and has been awarded by LIANZA and its predecessors for 60 years, since 1945. It commemorates New Zealand children’s author and Editor Esther Glen, who was considered the best female journalist in New Zealand in her time.

The LIANZA Young Adult Fiction Award the launch of this new award in LIANZA’s centenary year recognises a distinguished contribution to literature for children and young adults, by an author who is a citizen of New Zealand.

The Russell Clark Award is awarded to an illustrator or artist for the most distinguished pictures or illustrations for a children’s book, with or without text. The award is named for renowned New Zealand illustrator Russell Clark.

The Elsie Locke Award (previously the LIANZA Young People’s Non-fiction Award) is given to the New Zealand author of a book that is considered to be a distinguished contribution to non-fiction for young people. In 2001, after receipt of a generous bequest, the award was renamed in memory of Elsie Locke; writer, historian and leader in peace movements and women’s affairs.

Te Kura Pounamu is awarded to the New Zealand author of a book that is considered to be a distinguished contribution to literature for children or young people in te reo Maori and promotes excellence of library resources in Maori.

Communications
Publishers are encouraged to contact the Children’s Book Awards Event Manager Wendy Walker for futher information.
Wendy Walker
wendy@lianza.org.nz
P 04 473 5834
M 021 890 991