NZ Booklovers Awards 2023 Winners Announced

Simon Lendrum, Laura Keenan, Brianne Te Paa, Jane Ussher and John Walsh are winners in the 2023 NZ Booklovers Awards announced today.

‘We are delighted to announce four award-winning books that families in New Zealand will enjoy for many reasons,’ says NZ Booklovers Director Karen McMillan. ‘Our winning novel is a stunning crime novel with emotional heft. Our lifestyle-winning book sets a new benchmark for other publishers to aspire to. Our new category for Junior Fiction is won by a novel that is a perfectly pitched page-turner for young readers, and the winning children’s picture book is wonderfully told and superbly presented, and should find a place in all homes, libraries and schools.’

We are very grateful to Lighthouse PR, Benefitz, The Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore and Duckling Publishing for sponsoring these awards.’

The Slow Roll by Simon Lendrum wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Adult Fiction Book 2023, published by Upstart Press. Sponsored by Lighthouse PR.

The judges say, ‘In arguably the most competitive year the NZ Booklovers Awards has seen in the Best Adult Fiction category – signified by a packed shortlist – the judges agreed that one novel edged a nose ahead of the rest in terms of broad reader appeal and sheer narrative prowess. Simon Lendrum’s The Slow Roll is a stunning crime novel with real emotional heft and a storyline that, aside from being ceaselessly engrossing, is surprising and often fun, making gambling (as the title nods to) both a plot driver and textural element. One of the best, most confident and polished local crime debuts in recent memory.

Intricately composed and with a tone that tightropes between dry and a little melancholic, thanks to the protagonist’s, a quasi-PI named O’Malley, battle with bad memories and existential sorrow. Lendrum dexterously weaves into an engrossing narrative timely sparks of social commentary like the “stupid, stubborn logic” behind Auckland’s sprawl. While the influence of the likes of Michael Connelly and James Lee Burke are evident – a couple of their protagonists are even name-checked – Lendrum forges a story, and a hero, all his own. The O’Malley/Claire dynamic is irresistible, and the intense, high-stakes third act, coming not long after superb car-chase and knife-fight set pieces, shows Lendrum’s remarkable range.’

Rooms – Portraits of Remarkable New Zealand Interiors by Jane Ussher and John Walsh wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Lifestyle Book 2023, published by Masey University Press. Sponsored by Benefitz.

The judges say, ‘Words like opulent, lavish and luxurious come easily when we are describing Rooms. The hardcover of the book is a luscious hot pink – daring and vibrant – it pops out from under the all-white dust jacket like a flash of racy underwear on a conservatively-dressed person. Not that the jacket itself is sombre, it’s just more understated and elegant – the white and gold setting the tone.

Then comes the mostly jade-green double-page spread of the inside cover, which is again a nice contrast to the hot pink, and which features a fabulous tropical panel detail from inside the book.  By now, the reader is on their toes – guessing, anticipating the further delights to come. And come they do. The photography, the featured rooms… every page is splendid.

And, as it should be in a book like this in which the images need to be heroic, the small plates and details are left to the back of the book – not languishing, you understand – and important in their own right, but allowing the photographic portraits to be the diva. Congratulations must go to Jane Ussher and John Walsh, but also to the publishers, Massey University Press, which has realised this ambitious project magnificently. Rooms is that rare kind of book which is so well executed, so exquisitely detailed, that it becomes an instant taonga. From the exotic end-plates to the velvet bookmarks, this is a benchmark book which sets new standards for publishers to aspire to.’

Amorangi and Millie’s Trip through Time by Laura Keenan wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Junior Fiction Book 2023, published by Huia Publishers. Sponsored by The Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore.

The judges say, ‘Amorangi and Millie’s mission to rescue their mum from the past results in a thrilling and enlightening romp through some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s history, such as the invasion of Parihaka, the Great Depression, World War Two, the Musket Wars and the eruption of Mount Taranaki. Through the places they experience and the people they encounter, the book highlights racism and changing attitudes. But most of all it’s fun to read. Keenan (Te Āti Awa ki Taranaki) has a knack for eloquently showing our younger readers how our past and present are linked, making them think while enjoying a skilfully written and perfectly pitched page-turner for young readers.’

How My Koro Became a Star by Brianne Te Paa, illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse, wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Children’s Picture Book 2023, published by Huia Publishers. Sponsored by Duckling Publishing.

When Matariki appears before sunrise and the Tangaroa moon shines so bright, we call out the names of our loved ones; Tairamanuku sends them into the night.

The judges say, ‘After his grandfather dies, his young grandson understands that he must carry out the traditions of Matariki which he learned from his Koro, by preparing an offering of food for the gods, then going to the mountain before sunrise and calling out the names of loved ones who have passed away so that they can become stars. At first, his family is reluctant to help him, but once he explains what his Koro taught him, they climb the mountain together, follow the rituals and call out their Koro’s name so that he can become a star.

The use of rhyme creates a soft, rhythmic effect perfectly enhancing the sensitivity of the writing. The story gives young readers knowledge about the traditions surrounding Matariki while also bravely confronting grief and loss, making it an invaluable resource for both home, school and general libraries. The use of gold font on colourful backgrounds and exquisite illustrations enrich and perceptively interpret this story of a child’s loss of his grandfather yet the healing power of his Koro’s traditions which remain with him. This is a beautiful book; an important story wonderfully told and superbly presented.’

https://www.nzbooklovers.co.nz/2023-awards

2023 Sponsors:

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 creative writing teacher, assessor, mentor and reviewer P.J. 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.

Entries for the NZ Booklovers Award 2024 will open soon; more information to come in the future.

For more information about the NZ Booklovers Awards, please feel free to contact Karen McMillan, NZ Booklovers Director.