Interviews

Book Awards: The Junior Fiction Finalists

As part of our coverage of this year’s NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, we asked the five Wright Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction finalists four questions about their book and characters. The finalists are: Lyla,…

Author interview: The Hager-Hill Histories

In this fascinating insight into the minds of two of our best children’s literature writers, Mandy Hager and David Hill talk to each other about their new books, Ash Arising and Finding, and about writing for teens. David Hill: Mandy,…

Miriama Kamo and the Reinstated Stars of Matariki

Matariki has been celebrated in several picture books in recent years, but broadcaster Miriama Kamo’s new book, The Stolen Stars of Matariki, is the first to feature nine, not seven stars. Kristin Smith caught up with Miriama to hear how…

Miriama Kamo me nga Whetu i Whakahokia

Kua whakanuia a Matariki i ētahi pukapuka tamariki i ēnei tau tata kua hipa, engari ko te pukapuka hou a Miriama Kamo, ko Ngā Whetū Matariki i Whānakotia te mea tuatahi e pā ana ki ngā whetū e iwa, kaua…

From the Shop Floor: Wardini Books

We are pleased to present a regular monthly series highlighting the work, expertise and enthusiasm of some of the greatest children’s booksellers of New Zealand. Here’s relative newcomer, the vibrant Wardini Books in Havelock North. About five years ago, Gareth…

Across the Ditch: Author and editor Sue Whiting

Australian author Sue Whiting has written numerous books in a variety of genres: fiction and nonfiction, picture books through to YA, including the best-selling The Firefighters, and the award-winning A Swim in the Sea. As well as writing for children,…

Tara Black and Chris Riddell: A Drawing Date

Illustrator and live-drawer Tara Black had a Skype date with Chris Riddell in advance of his appearance in New Zealand for the Auckland Writers’ Festival. They discussed his time as the British children’s laureate, his political cartooning, his inspiration for…

Emerging YA Fiction Writer Graci Goldhart

Today we’re delighted to introduce Graci Goldhart, a Young Adult writer, diplomat, and one of the founders of #LoveAtFirstChapter, Editor Thalia: Kia ora Graci! After reading your website, I don’t know whether to begin with dogs, coffee, diplomacy, Korean folklore…

Margaret Mahy Award-winner, Janice Marriott

Janice Marriott has written fiction and non-fiction for children and adults; she is an editor, audio producer, screenwriter, poet, mentor, manuscript assessor, teacher and gardener. She is also the 2018 recipient of the Margaret Mahy Medal, giving her lecture in…

From the Shop Floor: Dorothy Butler's

We are pleased to present a regular monthly series highlighting the work, expertise and enthusiasm of some of the greatest children’s booksellers of New Zealand. Here’s Auckland’s iconic The Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop.  The Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop has a…