It’s time to celebrate an oft overlooked aspect of book creation—the design. The Publishers Association of New Zealand has just announced the shortlist for Aotearoa’s best-designed books in nine categories. Here we are showcasing the three which focus on books for children and students (although two of these books are also shortlisted for best typography). Check out the full list of finalists across all categories here.
The most beautifully designed books in Aotearoa have been revealed with the announcement today of the 2024 PANZ Book Design Awards finalists.
The Publishers Association of New Zealand Te Rau o Tākupu (PANZ) established the awards to promote excellence in, and provide recognition for, the best book design in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This year’s judges, Anna Brown (convenor), Massey University, Te Kani Price, Huia Publishers, Simon Waterfield, Lift Education, and Chloe Blades, Unity Books, faced the daunting task of selecting the standouts from a strong pool of 134 submissions.
“Across the more than 130 entries we had the pleasure of reviewing we were struck by the diversity of book design and artistic expression. Alongside grand and bold designs sat quieter books with intricately crafted typographic detail,” said Brown.
“We were invigorated by the publishing community’s commitment to celebrating and elevating indigenous design. This year’s selections not only showcase extraordinary design but also honour the richness of Māori and Pacific narratives.”
The Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Best Typography was a particularly strong category this year with the judges impressed by the diversity of entries. Submissions included books across genres, including children’s, illustrated, non-illustrated and education.
The judges now face the difficult task of narrowing down the winners of the nine categories and selecting the recipient of the main prize, the Gerard Reid Award for Best Book sponsored by Nielsen BookData. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony in Auckland on 19 September where attendees will also be able to vote for the Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand People’s Choice Award.
The industry’s design talent will assemble the next day for the PANZ Book Design Workshop which provides the opportunity to dissect the awards, enjoy panel sessions led by leading book designers and network with peers.
The full list of 2024 PANZ Book Design Awards finalists is available here.
Scholastic NZ Award for Best Children’s Book
At the Bach
By Joy Cowley & Hilary Jean Tapper
Designed by Vida Kelly
Gecko Press
RRP: $29.99
This is also a finalist in the NZCYA Book Awards! Read our review here.
Lucy and the Dark
By Melinda Szymanik & Vasanti Unka
Illustrated by Vasanti Unka
Designed by Cat Taylor
Penguin Random House NZ
RRP: $21.00
Also a finalist in the NZCYA Book Awards! Read our review here.
The Observologist
By Giselle Clarkson
Designed by Vida Kelly
Gecko Press
RRP: $40.00
Another finalist in the NZCYA Book Awards! Read our review here. Within the PANZ Design Awards, also a finalist for the Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Best Typography.
Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai
By Michaela Keeble & Tokerau Brown
Designed by Vida Kelly
Gecko Press
RRP: $29.99
This is also a finalist in three categories in the NZCYA Book Awards! Read our review here.
Patu
By Gavin Bishop
Designed by Luke Kelly
Penguin Random House NZ
RRP: $40.00
You guessed it, also a finalist (two categories) in the NZCYA Book Awards. Read our review here and an interview with Gavin Bishop here.
Lift Education Award for Best Education Book or Series — Primary
Kuwi & Friends He Puka Ngohe: Activity Book
By Kat Quin, translated by Pānia Papa
Designed by Kat Quin & Chelsea McKirdy
Illustrated Publishing
RRP: $24.99
Te Oranga Mauri Wellbeing Storybook Set
Te Whānau Aroha o Tipene, by Amiria Stirling
Sammy’s Koha, by T. K. Roxborogh
A Kite for Tiare, by Teremoana MaUa-Hodges
Amanaki Learns at Home, by Mafi and David Taumoepeau
Kiara Loves White Sunday, by Rosettastone Lupeli
Designed by Christine Ling
Huia Publishers
View resources on Tāhūrangi—New Zealand Curriculum
Year 7 Mathematics Start Right Workbook
By Phyl Haydock & Caroline Mulholland
Cover design by Barnaby McBryde (LearnWell) & Jane Meder (Jane Meder Illustration and Design), interior by Pietro Lubich (LearnWell) & Jane Meder (Jane Meder Illustration and Design)
ESA Publications (NZ) trading as LearnWell
RRP: $26.95
Lift Education Award for Best Education Book or Series — Secondary/Tertiary
Gamma Mathematics
By David Barton
Designed by Anne Taylor (Boulder Bay Design)
Edify
RRP: $72.99
Reo Ora: A Māori Language Course for Intermediate Learners
By Rāpata Wiri
Designed by Camilla Lau
Huia Publishers
RRP: $30.00
Te Kākano (Te Whanake Series)
By John C. Moorfield & Rachael Ka‘ai-Mahuta
Cover designed by Benek Lisefski, interior by Shaun Jury, illustrations by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
Edify
RRP: $73.90
Also a finalist for the Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Best Typography.
Year 9 Material World Learning Guide
By LearnWell
Covers designed by Barnaby McBryde (LearnWell), interior Ellen Mackenzie & Angus Mackenzie (LearnWell)
ESA Publications (NZ) trading as LearnWell
RRP: $15.50
Year 9 Physical World Learning Guide
By LearnWell
Covers designed by Barnaby McBryde (LearnWell), interior Ellen Mackenzie & Angus Mackenzie (LearnWell)
ESA Publications (NZ) trading as LearnWell
RRP: $15.50
