Kirsty Powell, Catherine Foster and Gavin Bishop are winners in the 2020 NZ Booklovers Awards announced today.

‘We are pleased to announce three award-winning books that families in New Zealand will enjoy for many reasons,’ says NZ Booklovers Director Karen McMillan. ‘Our chosen novel is a polished piece of storytelling that follows three generations of women in New Zealand. Our lifestyle choice will be essential reading for people building or renovating a home; and our winning children’s book is a treasure chest that will be passed down the generations.’

The Strength of Eggshells by Kirsty Powell wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Adult Fiction Book 2020.

The judges say, ‘The Strength of Eggshells is the story of three generations of women. In the present day, Kate is six-foot-tall and rides a motorbike like a pro, but she is insecure and looking for a mother she never knew. Kate’s mother, Jane, was badly scarred in a fire before Kate was born, and her story is told by the doctor trying to coax words from her with a mix of reading and poetry. The grandmother, Meredith, was a settler in a valley near the Whanganui River, left to run the farm by her unfeeling husband. Three women with different challenges weave together to make a polished, gritty novel. A beautifully written, well-constructed novel with the storytelling x-factor.’

Big Ideas for Small Houses by Catherine Foster wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Lifestyle Book 2020.

The judges say, ‘Big Ideas for Small Houses is an essential read for anyone considering building their own home or looking for space-saving ideas for their existing home.  Catherine’s writing clearly communicates the benefits of smaller and smarter homes.  The gorgeous photography also provides a visually pleasing road map of how New Zealanders are adapting to the housing crisis.  Big Ideas for Small Houses is both an entertaining and informative read.  It’s full of innovative ideas and is beautifully presented.’

Wildlife of Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Children’s Book 2020.

The judges say, ‘Wildlife of Aotearoa is a beautifully written, meticulously crafted and vividly illustrated book with appeal to all ages, a treasure chest to be pored over and passed through generations. The judges were impressed by the way narrative, history, myth, conservation, hope for the future and the use of te reo Māori are woven together to create richness and depth. This is a wonderful compendium of all the animals which have graced this land.’

Entries for the NZ Booklovers Awards 2021 are now open at www.nzbooklovers.co.nz

‘We are passionate about supporting the many talented writers we have in New Zealand, so we are delighted to be offering the NZ Booklovers Awards for a third year,’ says Karen McMillan. ‘We welcome traditionally published authors and self-published authors to submit their books throughout the year. This year we were thrilled to see a mix of well-known names and debut authors and trust we will see a similar variety for the 2021 Awards.’

Judges 2020
The Best Adult Fiction Book Award is judged by writer and literary editor Marcus Hobson, publishing professional Rachel White, and NZ Booklovers Director and author Karen McMillan.

The Best Lifestyle Book Award is judged by journalist and author Andrea Molloy, NZ Booklovers Director and author Karen McMillan, and publisher, home renovator and foodie Iain McKenzie.

The Best Children’s Book Award is judged by author and creative writing teacher Paddy Richardson, editor and writer Heidi North, and early childhood kaiako and journalist Rebekah Lyell.

About NZ Booklovers
NZbooklovers.co.nz is an online home for people who are passionate about books. Working alongside publishers, NZ Booklovers showcases both New Zealand and international titles. It provides reviews, author interviews, book news and competitions.

Director Karen McMillan heads up a talented team of contributors and reviewers, fellow readers and writers who are passionate about books and who believe literature inspires and enhances people’s lives. The NZ Booklovers Awards are the brainchild of Karen McMillan, intending to support the local publishing community and New Zealand authors.