Grandma McGarvey, the first of a series of acclaimed picture books by Wellington writer Jenny Hessell and illustrator Trevor Pye, has won the 2014 Storylines award for a much-loved and enduring picture book.
The Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award is given annually for a children’s or young adult book that has remained in print for more than five years, proving itself a favourite with young readers. It commemorates the life and books of Gaelyn Gordon, a noted New Zealand children’s author who died in 1997.
‘This award goes to books that have earned themselves a special place in the hearts of New Zealand children,’ said Trust chair Libby Limbrick.
‘Since her first appearance in 1990, Grandma McGarvey has become an authentic folk hero, her adventures reflecting many aspects of ordinary Kiwi family life. Her popularity has grown with each of the books that have followed.
‘The witty rhyming texts are skilfully done, full of wry observation, and perfectly matched by Trevor Pye’s exuberant illustrations.’
After Grandma McGarvey, published by Oxford University Press, came the ten Scholastic publications: Grandma McGarvey Paints the Shed, Grandma McGarvey Goes to Sea, Grandma McGarvey Takes a Dive, Grandma McGarvey Goes to School, Grandma McGarvey Goes to the Zoo, Grandma McGarvey Goes Camping, Grandma McGarvey and the Treasure Hunt, Grandma McGarvey Joins the Scrum, Grandma McGarvey and the Puddle Street Gang and Grandma McGarvey Surfs the Net.
Jenny Hessell, a high school English teacher for many years, has published more than twenty other children’s books, including What’s Wrong with Bottoms, Rebecca’s Babies and Nobody’s Perfect.
Trevor Pye has illustrated over 200 children’s books. He has worked as a tertiary lecturer, a freelance illustrator for television, and is also noted as sculptor and international exhibiting artist.
Previous winners of the Gaelyn Gordon Award have included books by Maurice Gee, Elsie Locke, Dorothy Butler, David Hill, Fleur Beale and Jack Lasenby.
The award will be presented at the annual Storylines Margaret Mahy Day in Auckland on Saturday 29 March 2014.
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