Congratulations to all the talented authors, illustrators and publishers on making the shortlist for these prestigious awards. Winners to be announced 19th August – we can’t wait to see who takes out the winning spots amongst such an impressive stack of books! Come and check out our display at the front of the store.
| 2026 Finalists Picture Book BookHub Award | 2026 Finalists Picture Book BookHub Award | |
|---|---|---|
| A Guide to Rocks | Written by Sacha Cotter, illustrated by Josh Morgan Published by Huia Publishers | When Charlie approaches Dad for help with his rapidly growing rock, all Dad has is a dusty old rule book, which is no use at all. This poignant yet humorous tale opens up space to begin conversations about emotional health, and shows that it can be empowering to share vulnerabilities. |
| Koro Wētā | Written by Heather Haylock, illustrated by Sarah Trolle Published by Oratia Books | A battle of wills plays out between an old wētā searching for a new home and a youngster defending their favourite pair of gumboots. This charmingly illustrated bilingual story offers a perfect mix of hilarity combined with a touch of horror, and will delight young readers while also encouraging curiosity about the world around them. |
| Left to Nowhere | Written and illustrated by Ian Chapman Published by One Tree House | The citizens of Nowhere in Particular have two hobbies: watching television and popping every one of the thousands of balloons that fill their skies. What they don’t realise is that their actions have consequences. The skilfully layered narrative is accompanied by striking illustrations to create a thought-provoking book that highlights the importance of cherishing what we have. |
| Pukeko Who-Keko | Written and illustrated by Toby Morris Published by Picture Puffin, Penguin Random House | What do you call a pūkeko solving a mystery? Clue-keko! So begins Detective Pūkeko’s investigation to find out who spilled a tin of paint. Playful illustrations and tongue-twisting wordplay draw the reader into the search. Tamariki will love this interactive book that is pure fun, and perfect to read aloud. |
| The Only Dinosaur in School | Written by Leonie Agnew, illustrator Julia Hegetusch Published by Scholastic New Zealand | Theo, a dinosaur born to human parents, is worried about fitting in on his first day of school. Dressed in a human disguise sewn by his mother, he struggles to remain in character. Warm and whimsical illustrations accompany this heartwarming and imaginative story of inclusivity, which anyone who has ever felt different will relate to. |
| 2026 Finalists Junior Fiction Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award | ||
|---|---|---|
| Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum | Written by Hannah Tunnicliffe, and illustrated by Erica Harrison Published by Flying Eye Books | Recently retired Detective Stanley is asked to help solve one final case. With a clever plot, detailed illustrations, and humorous wordplay, this art-themed graphic novel mystery will appeal to emerging and reluctant readers. A case file provides a chance to learn more about the art featured in the crime solving romp. |
| Dreamslinger | Written by Graci Kim Published by Penguin, penguin Random House | Dreamslingers are viewed with suspicion, and hated by many – and Aria Loveridge is a carrier of the dreamslinger genetic mutation. Aria lives at the Resthaven Academy, where students learn to curb their abilities, until a surprising opportunity leads her to the Royal trials. There she uncovers hidden truths and family secrets in this well-formed fantasy that explores marginalisation, grief, and self-acceptance. |
| Kimi the Kekeno’s Big Adventure | Written by Shelley Burne-Field (Ngāti Mutanga, Ngāti Rārua) Published by Allen and Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand | Every kekeno must follow the ocean currents to the Stone Circle to find their dream, but when his māmā is injured, Kimi’s journey is delayed. As Kimi and his friend Rata make the journey, they discover new friends, and face many challenges together. Themes of friendship, kindness, and finding your path are woven into this exciting adventure. |
| The Terrible Trio 1: The (not so) Superheroes | Written by Swapna Haddow and illustrated by Minky Stapleton Published by Scholastic New Zealand | When the Ministry of Superpowers invites every animal in the world to receive a superpower, Zeb the Zebra, Margarine the Penguin and Barry the Lemur find themselves at the end of a VERY long line. A hilarious romp, full of wordplay and expressive comic illustrations that will have young readers keen to read the entire series. |
| Violet and the Velvets 2: The Case of the Angry Ghost | Written by Rachael King Published by Allen and Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand | Violet and her band are off to the regional heats of BandChamps – but there are ghostly goings-on from the outset, and it is up to the band to find out what is going on. A mystery set to the backdrop of an exciting school musical competition, this is a well-paced story with loveable characters. |
| 2026 Finalists Young Adult Fiction Wheelers Books Award | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hiva & Heartbeats | Written by Selina Alesana Alefosio Published by Mila's Books | Epi is a Tokelau teenager navigating the delicate balance between family legacy and R&B slow jams. Through her diary, she shares sister-cousin secrets and first crushes – but it is the rhythm of hiva (traditional dance) that grounds her. Interweaving te Gagana Tokelau with nineties nostalgia, this is a vibrant celebration of Pacific identity, and finding your own beat. |
| It’s a Bit More Complicated Than That | Written by Hannah Marshall Published by Allen and Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand | Three years after a tragedy tore them apart, Zelle and Callum are forced to face the grief they’ve been running from. Set against a rugged Central Otago backdrop, this debut novel follows two prickly, messy characters struggling with alcohol use, guilt, and shattered futures. A deeply human examination of the complicated journey toward forgiveness. |
| Spider Games: In the City of Spies | Written by Brian Falkner Published by Bateman Books | It’s December 1999, and fifteen-year-old Nick is in Berlin to help his grandfather. But when Grandpa Joe vanishes, Nick is thrust into a world of intrigue and ex-Stasi shadows. A neurodivergent hero discovers his own hidden strengths in this suspenseful, high-octane spy thriller where survival means mastering the game. |
| The Lost Saint | Written by Rachael Craw Published by Allen and Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand | A summer trip in Germany turns treacherous when a solstice meteor thrusts Ana back to the 14th century. Caught between warring Northmen and suspicious saints, Ana must navigate a brutal medieval landscape where no character is safe. A cinematic and evocative time-shift journey that masterfully explores sacrifice, identity, and the weight of being out of time. |
| The Retreat | Written by Helen Vivienne Fletcher Published by HVF Publishing | Seeking refuge from grief, Finn’s father moves them to The Retreat, a ‘safe haven’ where protection feels increasingly like a prison. To save Aria, a girl trapped by the cult’s suffocating rules, Finn must navigate a world of hidden dangers and visceral trauma. This tense, unsettling thriller powerfully explores the fine line between safety and control. |
| 2026 Finalists Elsie Locke Non-Fiction Award | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hooked: Learning to Fish | Written by Al Brown and illustrated by Hope McConnell. Published by Allen and Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand | A quirky, colourful and wide-ranging guide for young fishers in Aotearoa New Zealand, in which Al Brown ties together childhood stories, kit lists, how to’s, and recipes. Each page is vividly illustrated, and through the easy-to-read, engaging text readers will gain an understanding of the importance of sustainability and connections to place. |
| Omnibird: An Avian Investigator's Handbook | Written and illustrated by Giselle Clarkson. Published by Gecko Press, Lerner Publishing Group | Part guide, part comic, part ode to the glory of birds, this beautiful large format book is filled to the brim with observations about avian life. Readers are invited to explore and enjoy birds in a fun manner that is part science and part laugh out loud absurdity. Omnibird is detailed with facts, doodles and breathtaking watercolour bird portraits. |
| Survive Aotearoa | Written by Bronwen wall and Jonathan Kennett, and illustrated by Kimberly Andrews. Published by Kennett Brothers | Bronwen Wall and Jonathan Kennett have deftly researched survival stories from all corners of wild Aotearoa, and packaged them up into a detailed collection of thrilling true tales. Survive Aotearoa will give curious teen readers an insight into the tenacity and resilience of New Zealanders through history who have survived dangerous situations. |
| Taniwha | Written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa). Published by Penguin, Penguin Random House. | The secretive worlds of taniwha are revealed in a super-sized book that is quintessentially Gavin Bishop, holding works of art on each page. Words wrap around the illustrations and introduce young readers to folkloric stories of mythical creatures we hold dear, and tales that reflect how our landscape and values were shaped. |
| Whenua: Māori Pūrākau of Aotearoa | Written and illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu). Published by little Moa, Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand . | In eleven pūrākau, Whenua tells the stories of how Aotearoa came to be and how its geography was formed. On each page Isobel Joy Te Aho-White gently weaves tales and detailed illustrations of explorers, curious children and mystical creatures to create a delightfully calm and grounded book about the land we live on. |
| 2026 Finalists Russell Clark Award for Illustration | ||
|---|---|---|
| At Home on the Farm | Written and illustrated by Ned Barraud. Published by Scholastic New Zealand. | Well-loved author and illustrator Ned Barraud presents a stunning take on farm life in Aotearoa, with every single page full of details that give readers of all ages much to look at. As drought hits the land, Ned’s illustrations have an evocative New Zealand gothic feel to them, reflective of the challenges of rural life. |
| Folk Remedy 1: The Hidden World of the Yōkai | Written and illustrated by Jem Yoshioka. Published by Andrews McMeel. | n this delightful graphic novel based on Japanese folklore, readers follow Maple on her travels through a world filled with strange characters, both human and yōkai. Jem Yoshioka’s dynamic illustrations and the way the characters interact on the page give a sense of movement throughout the book, and the careful selection of colours adds to the mysterious atmosphere. |
| Kupe and the Great Octopus of Muturangi | Writen and illustrated by Mat Tait (Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne o Wairau). Published by Allen and Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand. | A fresh, vivid depiction of the journey of Kupe and his crew as they navigate the ocean in pursuit of Muturangi’s giant octopus. Mat Tait’s use of bold colours and combinations of patterns and figurative drawing bring the tale to life, while also paying homage to designs used in books of Māori legends from decades ago. |
| Taniwha | Written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa). Published by Penguin, Penguin Random House. | In Gavin Bishop’s oversize, beautifully designed book about taniwha, every detail feels intentional, from the range of styles to the composition of each page and the flow of text. Careful choices in colour palette and design give fresh life to familiar stories, bringing these mythical creatures into the present, and reminding us that Māori culture is alive and evolving. |
| Whenua: Māori Pūrākau of Aotearoa | Written and illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu). Published by Little Moa, Hachette New Zealand. | Whenua lovingly shares a range of pūrākau, beginning at the bottom of our country and moving north. Details in Isobel Joy Te Aho-White’s illustrations relate beautifully to the stories being told, helping to draw readers in, and a map makes it easy to locate where local tales are set. |
| 2026 Finalists Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Awards for Te Reo Māori | ||
|---|---|---|
| He Taonga te Toka | Written by Sacha Cotter, illustrated by Josh Morgan (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Rongowhakaata) and translated by Kawata Teepa (Tūhoe, Te Whakatōhea). Published by Huia Publishers. | A clever story that shows how adults can talk about difficult topics with tamariki and mokopuna in a meaningful way, by revealing the depth of ‘rock wisdom’. Engaging illustrations enhance the story throughout, and the translation into te reo Māori is impressive. The thoughtful storytelling of He Taonga te Toka rewards readers with humour and insight. |
| Kupe me te Wheke nui a Muturangi (a finalist book originally written in te reo Māori) | Written and illustrated by Mat Tait (Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne o Wairau). Published by Allen and Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand. | This modern retelling of the pūrākau of Kupe and Muturangi’s enormous pet octopus is brought to life through engaging storytelling and vivid, striking illustrations. The narrative is enriched by thoughtful use of Māori literary devices, making it accessible and meaningful for children. A book that appeals to both the eyes and the ears. |
| Matariki ki te Ao | Written by Miriama Kamo (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga) and Rangi Matamua (Tūhoe), illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu) and translated by Pānia Papa (Ngāti Korokī-Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta) and Leon Blake (Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Wāhiao, Waikato, Ngāti Whāwhākia, Ngāti Porou, Taranaki, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāi Tai). Published by Scholastic New Zealand. | Matariki ki te Ao brings together rich knowledge and histories from around the world, which are thoughtfully woven with the Māori story of Matariki. Informative and engaging, and translated using strong and authentic te reo Māori, this is a valuable and accessible resource for readers who want to learn more about Matariki and explore its meaning. |
| Taku Ikura Tuatahi | Written by Qiane Matata-Sipu (Te Waiohua, Waikato, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao), illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu) and translated by Stacey Morrison (Ngāi Tahu, Te Arawa waka). Published by Qiane+Co. | This picture book provides a clear, accessible guide to practices related to īkura (menstruation), and their important cultural significance. The role of women as life-givers is explored in a respectful and empowering way that will be both informative and valuable for young readers, with strong connections to their world today. |
| Te Onehaumako (a finalist book originally written in te reo Māori) | Written by Zeb Tamihana Nicklin (Pāhauwera, Ruapani, Tūhoe, Tāmanuhiri). Published by Huia Publishers. | Te Onehaumako is an imaginative time travel adventure with an engaging plotline that will keep readers wanting to know what happens next. Debut author Zeb Tamihana Nicklin shows a gift for storytelling and has crafted an exciting narrative with strong and confident writing, and effective use of structure and te reo Māori. |
| 2026 Finalist NZSA Best First Book Award | ||
|---|---|---|
| Folk Remedy 1: The Hidden World of the Yōkai | Written and illustrated by Jem Yoshioka. Published by Andrews McMeel. | A dynamic graphic novel about Maple, an apprentice apothecary in 1920s Japan. Maple wants to distance herself from her stuffy family history and superstitions, but in trying to do this, unwittingly finds herself on an adventure with a yōkai. Jem Yoshioka excels at capturing the movement and energy of her characters, and drawing readers into Maple’s mysterious world. |
| Hiva & Heartbeats | Written by Selina Alesana Alefosio. Published by Mila's Books. | Epi, a Tokelau girl living in suburban 1990s New Zealand, spills the secrets of her first crush, her heartfelt love for her family and friends, her obsessions with Jane Austen and R&B – and her desire to be a champion hiva dancer. An accessible diary format novel that expertly captures the teen voice. |
| Hunt for Niu Tupu | Written by Inangaro Vakaafi and illustrated by Maka Makatoa. Published by Mila's Books. | Hunt for Niu Tupu tells the story of a child looking for the right coconut with their grandfather. Readers are taken along on the hunt, learning about coconuts, meeting people going about their lives, and becoming immersed in the setting. A quiet story with a lot of heart that illustrates the importance of intergenerational family connections. |
| Te Onehaumako | Written by Zeb Tamihana Nicklin (Pāhauwera, Ruapani, Tūhoe, Tāmanuhiri). Published by Huia Publishers. | Tawa, a teenage boy, travels through time, meeting his ancestors and learning about practices and connections that impact on his world today. Written in te reo Māori, the assured storytelling evident in this imaginative young adult adventure novella will hold readers’ interest throughout the many twists and turns of the exciting plot. |
| The Lost Words | Written by Kimberley Kearney (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tūhoe) and illustrated by Taylor Terewai Tiave (Ngāpuhi). Published by Little Moa, Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand. | A young girl tells the story of her mother’s quest to find and collect forgotten words of te reo Māori, gathering them safely in a kete so they are never lost again. Readers are taken on the journey too, and encouraged to hunt for words which are cleverly integrated into the text and illustrations. |
