D.V. Bishop, Lucy Corry, Stacey Morrison and Jeremy Sherlock are winners in the 2022 NZ Booklovers Awards announced today.
‘We are delighted to announce three award-winning books that families in New Zealand will enjoy for many reasons,’ says NZ Booklovers Director Karen McMillan. ‘Our winning novel seamlessly blends historical fiction with crime thriller. Our lifestyle choice is more than a cookbook, it’s an artwork and a treasure. Our winning children’s book is a wonderful resource that will fill readers with hope and aroha. We are very grateful to be a recipient of a Copyright Licensing New Zealand Contestable Fund Grant 2021 for this year’s awards.’
City of Vengeance by D.V. Bishop wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Adult Fiction Book 2022, published by Macmillan Publishers
The judges say, ‘A stunning debut novel, D V Bishop’s City of Vengeance seamlessly blends historical fiction with crime thriller, as detective-protagonist Cesare Aldo investigates a murder in 1536 Florence and uncovers an intra-familial plot (which really happened) against the ruling Duke of Florence, a member of the ultra-powerful de’ Medici clan. Storytelling centred on intrigue and betrayal doesn’t come more polished and captivating than this, and among the novel’s best features are the figure of Aldo, a redoubtable and humane lead; the unflinching depiction of a filthy, dangerous Renaissance city which diverges from the typical romantic portrayals of European sites; and the rejection of the heteronormativity common to almost all historical fiction – Bishop shows this place and era to be as diverse in human desire and commerce as anywhere in the present.’
Homecooked: Seasonal Recipes for Everyday by Lucy Corry, The Kitchenmaid wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Lifestyle Book 2022, published by Penguin Random House
The judges say, ‘Homecooked is more than just a cookbook; it’s an artwork, a treasure, and a gift to yourself, or for someone you love. The presentation is stunning; from the bright, sculptural, cover, to the mouth-watering butter-yellow end-plates. The design is both contemporary and nostalgic. But even a handsome hardback cookbook has to be more than just delicious to look at. Lucy Corry’s recipes, which are arranged seasonally, make heroes of everyday ingredients that are easy to find in Aotearoa. Homecooked celebrates the joy of cooking, with simple but delicious recipes that will revive your taste-buds. And as we find greater solace in our homes, and the joys of home-cooking, we are also reminded that fresh, seasonal and local ingredients are not only better for you, but also better for the planet.’
Kia Kaha: A Storybook of Māori Who Changed the World by Stacey Morrison and Jeremy Sherlock NZ Booklovers Award for Best Children’s Book 2022, published by Penguin Random House
The judges say, ‘This is a powerful illustrated storybook and an inspiring compendium that celebrates Māori who have done incredible things. From individuals to groups, historic to contemporary history, every entry showcases Māori who have blazed a trail of their own. Illustrated by a host of 12 talented Māori artists, each of whom brings their own flavour to the mini biographies, Kia Kaha is a very special book for readers of all ages. It will inspire every reader, of every generation, to draw on their own strengths and abilities. This is a highly engaging book and wonderful resource that will fill readers with hope and aroha.’
Entries for the NZ Booklovers Award 2023 are now open – visit here for more information
‘We are thrilled to be offering the NZ Booklovers Awards for a fifth year, to recognise the talented authors we have in New Zealand,’ says Karen McMillan. ‘We are delighted to announce a new award for 2023, The Junior Fiction Children’s Book Award, to join our Adult Fiction, Lifestyle and Children’s Picture Book Categories. We welcome traditionally published authors and self-published authors to submit their books throughout the year.’
Categories for 2023:
NZ Booklovers Award for Best Adult Fiction Book 2023, sponsored by Lighthouse PR
Lighthouse PR is a New Zealand-based specialist book publicity and marketing company. Our clients include publishing houses and a select group of self-published authors. Our team of experienced publicists has worked in the publishing industry for decades and enjoys working with a range of international and New Zealand authors. We are delighted to sponsor this award which recognises storytelling excellence and rewards our talented New Zealand novelists. www.lighthousepr.co.nz
NZ Booklovers Award for Best Lifestyle Book 2023, sponsored by Benefitz
Small to large book runs, Benefitz have them covered on our high quality smaller digital machines through to our B2 Indigo and Volume offset presses. Soft and cased covers all finished in-house. For those who require design and artwork, we have that covered too! Our ability to print and finish books inhouse is a real strength, but so too is our vast experience and knowledge of book publishing. We have a team with decades of experience producing books. Email Kent@benefitz.co.nz with your enquiry or pop on our website at www.benefitz.co.nz to see our full range of services and check out some of our latest projects. We are pleased to sponsor the lifestyle award, recognising the best books that enrich people’s daily lives.
NZ Booklovers Award for Best Junior Fiction Book 2023, sponsored by The Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore
The Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore is an independent, online bookstore established by Kiwi junior fiction author Kate Gordon to showcase the incredible array of books for children and teens created by New Zealand authors and illustrators. Kate hand-selects the books to help Kiwi parents and other book buyers find quality fiction, great design and illustration, and interesting non-fiction and activity books. Kate adores junior fiction and is proud to sponsor this new award to celebrate great story-telling for children aged 8-12. www.kiwikidsbooks.nz
NZ Booklovers Award for Best Children’s Picture Book 2023, sponsored by Duckling Publishing
Chrissy Metge is the publisher at Duckling Publishing. She uses her animation, storytelling, writing, and producing background to lead a small but dedicated team of ducklings who create and write beautifully designed books for children. She is passionate about books that take young readers on a special journey, collaborating carefully with talented writers, artists, illustrators and editors to publish enduring books for our tamariki. Chrissy is proud to sponsor this award to help foster a love of reading in young children. www.ducklingpublishing.com
Judges 2023
The Best Adult Fiction Book Award is judged by author, reviewer and judge of the Ngaio Marsh Awards Stephanie Jones, 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, former magazine editor and lifestyle journalist Peta Stavelli, and publisher, home renovator and foodie Iain McKenzie.
The Best Junior Fiction Children’s Book Award and the Best Children’s Picture Book Award is judged by author and creative writing teacher Paddy Richardson, writer and former editor 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 believe literature inspires and enhances people’s lives. The NZ Booklovers Awards are the brainchild of Karen McMillan to support the local publishing community and New Zealand authors.
