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NZ BOOKLOVERS AWARDS 2024
NZ Booklovers Awards 2024 Winners

El Flamingo by Nick Davies wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Adult Fiction Book 2024, published by YBK Publishers New York. Sponsored by Lighthouse PR.

The judges say, ‘In yet another packed shortlist for the Best Adult Fiction category, the judges agreed that one novel edged ahead to be pronounced the winner. El Flamingo is a delight from start to finish, with a storytelling style that is deceptively easy to read but is likely the result of numerous drafts. Davies has done a terrific job of blending the genres, nailing the tone and characterisation, and having great fun in the process.

El Flamingo is an exhilarating debut, so perfectly paced and plotted, and with a central character to fall in love with. Lou Galloway is an unforgettable character full of self-deprecating wit. His strong, clever narrative voice is what makes this novel so engaging. This is a tale infused with heart and soul, a sunset-noir novel with an exotic Latin-American vibe that has it all: action, suspense, intrigue and a compelling love story. This outstanding novel is fresh, surprising and fun. It is all killer and no filler when it comes to impeccably crafted writing, characterisation and pace. This is storytelling at its best.’

Flora: Celebrating Our Botanical World. Edited by Carlos Lehnebach, Claire Regnault, Rebecca Rice, Isaac Te Awa, and Rachel Yates wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Lifestyle Book 2024, published by Te Papa Press. Sponsored by Benefitz.

The judges say, ‘Flora: Celebrating Our Botanical World is an extraordinary tribute to Aotearoa New Zealand’s botanical heritage, curated from Te Papa’s extensive collections. This expansive and visually striking hardback invites readers on an immersive journey into the world of flora. Flora is undeniably impressive, with immense aesthetic appeal. Visually delightful and highly informative, it is a culturally significant celebration of our botanical heritage. Flora transcends traditional boundaries by intertwining botanical wonders with a diverse range of art forms, including decor, fashion and photography.

More than a mere collection of images, Flora explores botanical themes through 12 truly insightful essays. The depth of its content, complemented by its elegant presentation appeals to a broad audience. Flora’s sheer scale and visual allure not only elevate its impact but highlight its curation by an expert, cross-disciplinary team. Flora has surpassed its ambition of inspiring readers to feel a sense of mīharo, of wonder, for plants and flowers in all their representations. Flora emphasises the cultural imprint of flora and transforms the book into a true taonga, a treasure for all to enjoy.’

Catch a Falling Star by Eileen Merriman wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Young Adult Book 2024, published by Penguin Random House. Sponsored by The Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore.

The judges say, ‘This is the prequel to acclaimed New Zealand YA author Eileen Merriman's wonderful novel Catch Me When You Fall returning to trace the backstory of love interest, Jamie Orange. Magnetic and troubled, Merriman creates a dramatic and wonderfully rich narrative around this young man as he navigates some pretty hefty dynamics personally, and relationally. Jamie's charismatic confidence dazzles friends and crushes alike...until it doesn’t, leaving relationships fraying under the weight of his unpredictable behaviour. Of the many excellent aspects of Eileen Merriman's writing, it is the realism that she creates within these fully-formed characters that stands out. The ability to accurately capture the nuances of language and the roundness of her central characters that really sets her apart as an author. A wonderfully evocative story with strong messaging around mental health and wellbeing.’

Below by David Hill wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Junior Fiction Book 2024, published by Penguin Random House. Sponsored by The Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore.

The judges say, ‘When Liam dares his classmate Imogen to come on a forbidden tour of the railway tunnel being drilled through a nearby mountain, he hopes she'll quit protesting about it damaging the environment. As the pair reach the huge tunnelling machine deep beneath the ground, everything goes horribly wrong. With nobody knowing where they are, and the water beginning to rise, the former arch-enemies have to work together to survive. Below walks the fine line of being compelling without being too scary for the intended audience. David Hill has crafted yet another excellent read that combines a pacy plot with an ecological theme. It is a page-turning thriller about courage, teamwork, friendship and caring for the environment, and showcases Hill's extensive research that he puts into every one of his stories. With Below, Hill delivers a rich cast of characters and a gripping read for junior readers 8-11.’

Dazzlehands by Sacha Cotter, illustrated by Josh Morgan, wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Children’s Picture Book 2024, published by Huia Publishers. Sponsored by Duckling Publishing.

The judges say, ‘A cow goes moo, a chicken goes cluck, a pig goes… Dazzlehands? What the..? The latest from the author of The Bomb continues her riff on celebrating diversity and individuality. Dazzlehands dazzles from the get-go, with its bright pink and silver cover and the intrigue of a pair of bejewelled trotters thrust skywards. Whose hooves are these? And why are they so sparkly? Reminiscent of the stubborn back-and-forth in Green Eggs and Ham, this playful tale is funny and fun to read aloud; perfectly ludicrous and imaginative in the way that picture books should be. Morgan’s rainbow-bright illustrations are entertaining in their own right, with many of the pictures telling their own story. Great to see a Māori main character too (the farmer).’

NZ BOOKLOVERS AWARDS 2024
NZ Booklovers Awards 2024 Shortlist

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NZ Booklovers Award for Best Adult Fiction Book 2024

Sponsored by Duckling Publishing

At the Bach by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper (Gecko Press)

Dazzlehands by Sacha Cotter, illustrated by Josh Morgan (Huia Publishers)

Lucy and the Dark by Melinda Szymanik, illustrated by Vasanti Unka (Penguin Random House)

Tama and the Taniwha by Melanie Koster, illustrated by Monica Koster (Scholastic)

There Was an Odd Farmer Who Swallowed a Fly by Peter Millett, illustrated by Paul Beavis (Penguin Random House)

When Grandpa Wore a Tutu by Dawn McMillan, Illustrator Jenny Cooper (Scholastic)

The Best Adult Fiction Book Award is judged by author, reviewer and judge of the Ngaio Marsh Awards Stephanie Jones, reviewer and literary editor Marcus Hobson, 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 Young Adult, Best Junior Fiction Book and Children’s Picture Book Awards are judged by creative writing teacher, assessor, mentor and reviewer Paddy Richardson, writer and former editor Heidi North, early childhood kaiako and journalist Rebekah Lyell, high school teacher, author, musician, and reviewer Chris Reed, and primary school teacher, journalist and former book editor Stacey Anyan.

Winners will be announced on 28 March 2024 - each winner will receive $500.

Judges’ comments:

ADULT FICTION

Chasing the Dragon by Mark Wightman: ‘Set in 1940s Singapore, where Detective Inspector Betancourt of the Singapore Marine Police is first on the scene when a local fisherman finds a drowned body. After deciding this is a murder enquiry, Betancourt quickly finds his own life in danger. No one is being completely honest about their motives and associations. Fast-paced and with a great eye for period details, this is crime fiction that leans more towards mystery than gore.’

Checkerboard Hill by Jade Kake: ‘In this sombre, haunting debut, Jade Kake seems to have tapped into some urgent, boundless, can’t-look-away wellspring, and Checkerboard Hill at times moves like a fast-flowing river, carrying the reader along towards an uncertain destination. It’s a fascinating, intimate encounter with a woman with a bifurcated life, who is forced to examine the gulf between how she was raised and who she wants to be. Identity and culture, mystery, a fractured, fractious whānau where there is love and good memories but so much left unspoken – Kake juggles a lot, and she does so with extraordinary deftness.’

Double Jeopardy by Stef Harris: ‘A character-driven revenge thriller and an exhilarating ride, this is a great piece of storytelling with broad appeal. In choosing to set the action in the United States, specifically Boston, Harris is in the company of other Kiwi genre authors who are (presumably) thinking about the accessibility of their work and the creative promise of a much vaster landscape, which in this case allows him to draw on the city’s fascinating history and criminal underbelly. Every ingredient is here and ideally balanced, making it one of the top crime thrillers of the year.’

El Flamingo by Nick Davies: ‘What an exhilarating debut, so perfectly paced and plotted, and with a central character to fall in love with. Lou Galloway is an unforgettable character full of self-deprecating wit. His strong, clever narrative voice is what makes this novel so engaging. This is a tale infused with heart and soul, a sunset-noir novel with an exotic Latin-American vibe that has it all: action, suspense, intrigue and a compelling love story. This outstanding novel is fresh, surprising and fun. It is all killer and no filler when it comes to impeccably crafted writing, characterisation and pace. This is storytelling at its best.’

Light Keeping by Adrienne Jansen: ‘This moving and tender novel draws you in from the beautiful cover to the poignant end page. Light Keeping is a subtle and beautifully written tale that explores loss, the importance of family, storytelling and the sea, and stays with you long after finishing the final page. The author’s writing is so artful that she can handle even the darkest moments in the novel with delicacy and sensitivity that feels true to life. Beautiful and moving.’

Ritual of Fire by D. V. Bishop: ‘In Renaissance Florence, under a sweltering summer sun, a series of brutal murders are unfolding. A wealthy merchant is hanged and set on fire in the main city square. Bishop seamlessly blends a tense thriller with a wealth of historical details. The central duo of Aldo and Strocchi, helped and hindered by various investigating constables, must put aside their differences and work together to solve crimes that span both the city and the surrounding countryside. The sort of mystery that keeps you gripped right to the end.’

The Waters by Carl Nixon: ‘This is an engrossing, heartrending family saga by novelist, short story writer, and playwright Carl Nixon. The Waters exists somewhere in the liminal space between the first two, with the chapters interlinking through time, theme, and family ties but each able to stand alone as a singular short story: many were previously published as such, and that the balance of novel/story collection works so seamlessly is a testament to Nixon’s cleverness and command of his craft. The book is studded with brilliantly rendered set pieces that linger in the reader's mind like a vivid childhood memory. Throughout, Nixon shows remarkable restraint and a refusal to judge the people he describes; just as in life, the Waters family is flawed, some answers are not forthcoming, and redemption is never promised.’

Where Light Meets Water by Susan Paterson: ‘A love story wrapped in a novel about painting and the sea, which, just like a painting, builds layer upon layer to create a satisfying whole. A stunning debut novel that is both lyrical and full of beauty. The shifting setting moves effortlessly around the Victorian globe, from Scotland to London, to Australia and ultimately to the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island. The combination of strong characters and the passions that both bind and separate them is masterfully done.’

LIFESTYLE

Enjoy by Kelly Gibney: ‘This visually stunning cookbook celebrates the joy of coming together with loved ones to enjoy a delicious meal. Cooked and photographed in Kelly Gibney’s home, Enjoy bursts with personality. Kelly’s writing style is imminently appealing, and her photography is mouth-watering. This beautifully presented book will inspire cooks to find new favourites the entire family will enthuse over. A must-have for any kitchen, from the beautiful blue cover to the stylish photography and easy-to-use, unfussy recipes.’

Flora: Celebrating Our Botanical World. Edited by Carlos Lehnebach, Claire Regnault, Rebecca Rice, Isaac Te Awa, and Rachel Yates: ‘An extraordinary tribute to Aotearoa New Zealand’s botanical heritage, curated from Te Papa’s extensive collections. This expansive and visually striking hardback invites readers on an immersive journey into the world of flora. Flora is undeniably impressive, with immense aesthetic appeal. Visually delightful and highly informative, it is a culturally significant celebration of our botanical heritage. Flora transcends traditional boundaries by intertwining botanical wonders with a diverse range of art forms, including decor, fashion and photography. The depth of its content, complemented by its elegant presentation appeals to a broad audience. Flora emphasises the cultural imprint of flora and transforms the book into a true taonga, a treasure for all to enjoy.’

Good Sports by Stuart Lipshaw: ‘This celebrates Aotearoa’s sporting heroes, combining awesome illustrations with powerful storytelling. Good Sports showcases a diverse range of remarkable Kiwi sportspeople who have defied expectations and overcome challenges to achieve their dreams. From tennis to triathlon, basketball, freediving, football and more – this inspiring collection of stories is accessible to all ages. Good Sports shows readers what sport can be, how to overcome obstacles and follow your dreams. A compelling read.’

Ki Mau Ki Muri – 25 years of Toioho ki Āpiti by Cassandra Barnett and Kura Te Waru-Rewiri: ‘Massey University Press once again presents an exquisite and important book, this time highlighting the university’s own influential arts and culture kaupapa Māori led arts and culture programme. Toioho ki Āpiti has been lauded internationally for its structure based on Māori notions of Mana Whakapapa (inheritance rights), Mana Tiriti (treaty rights), Mana Whenua (land rights) and Mana Tangata (human rights) unique to Aotearoa. The programme has been the springboard for the careers of some of the country’s most influential artists and the book describes their journeys as they unpick for the reader the ways this unique environment informed and inspired them. As an art book, this is superbly designed from its contrasting magenta and acid-yellow cover text beautifully presented in sculptural relief, to the bold text-rich endplates and, of course, to the intimate conversations within. This is an inspiring book to return to again and again.’

Living Beyond Land and Sea by Jane Robertson: ‘More than a handsome coffee table book, this is a lavishly illustrated social and environmental history of Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour. The well-researched and captivating text is complimented by more than 150 contemporary and historical photos, creating a fascinating and insightful book. It brings to life these small settlements built around jetties, the beauty, the strong communities, but also the challenge faced living in these remote locations.’

The Lucky Taco by Sarah and Otis Frizzell: ‘Lucky for us the team behind Auckland’s iconic food truck Lucky Taco has finally bowed to popular demand to assemble a delicious cookbook. And – no surprises here – the book is as vibrant and refreshing as the couple’s authentic Mexican cuisine. Sarah and Otis Frizzell started Lucky Taco 10 years ago after falling for Mexican food while travelling. They sought training from one of Mexico’s most respected chefs and returned to Aotearoa to recreate the experience of the colourful food trucks they’d enjoyed. The talented duo knew their cookbook had to be different and special, and it is – from the bright yellow cover with hot pink, black and white highlights, to the quirky photography and the pages liberally laced with drawings by Otis. Nor will the more than 60 formerly secret recipes disappoint. This cookery book is a blast of spice with liberal dashings of art and soul.’

Through Shaded Glass by Lissa Mitchell: ‘This is a groundbreaking work addressing the historical oversight of women’s roles in early photography in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through Shaded Glass provides a compelling journey into the lives of professional and amateur women photographers, with stunning images and fascinating stories. By focusing on their previously hidden lives, Through Shaded Glass not only celebrates these women but also provides an important social history of our country. Lissa’s meticulous research has resulted in an incredibly captivating book that is impossible to put down! Lavishly illustrated, beautifully designed, exceptionally written and socially significant. Excellent in every regard!’

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Before George by Deborah Roberts: ‘Tells the story of a 12-year-old girl, Marnya, who we meet fleeing home in South Africa. On arrival in Aotearoa, and on the cusp of puberty, Marnya is listed as a boy, ‘George’, for her own protection. When the Tangiwai disaster makes her an orphan, George must learn to survive in this new world. The book packs some punches, dealing with some challenging themes – violence, death, illness, assault – but overwhelming it’s a story about friendship and how outsiders make the world their own.’

Catch A Falling Star by Eileen Merriman: This is the prequel to acclaimed New Zealand YA author Eileen Merriman's wonderful novel Catch Me When You Fall returning to trace the backstory of love interest, Jamie Orange. Magnetic and troubled, Merriman creates a dramatic and wonderfully rich narrative around this young man as he navigates some pretty hefty dynamics personally, and relationally. Jamie's charismatic confidence dazzles friends and crushes alike...until it doesn’t, leaving relationships fraying under the weight of his unpredictable behaviour. Of the many excellent aspects of Eileen Merriman's writing, it is the realism that she creates within these fully-formed characters that stand out. The ability to accurately capture the nuances of language and the roundness of her central characters that really sets her apart as an author. A wonderfully evocative story with strong messaging around mental health and wellbeing.

Iris and Me by Philippa Werry: ‘A unique verse novel about Robin Hyde, one of Aotearoa’s most significant female writers. While Hyde’s story is sometimes painful, and her journey to the frontline gristly, this cleverly written book highlights her adventurous, determined spirit, despite her mental health troubles and her disability, introducing Hyde to a new generation of readers.

The Sparrow by Tessa Duder: ‘A powerful historical novel for young adults set in the 1840s which exposes the plight of women, convicted for petty crimes in Britain and transported to Tasmania where they were subjected to cruel, unjust and brutal treatment. The protagonist, Harriet, disguised as the boy Harry, has managed to escape from the horrific conditions of the Cascades Female Factory to escape to Auckland, New Zealand, but now must make her way alone and without food and money in a lawless and unforgiving environment. The narrative is skilfully structured, moving between a past where Harriet, a happy teenager with loving parents, is unjustly accused of the “crime” of stealing an apple, her subsequent conviction and her present situation. The story is highly engaging and moving, the research meticulous and the writing evocative and absorbing.’

JUNIOR FICTION

Below by David Hill: ‘Walks the fine line of being compelling without being too scary for the intended audience. When former arch-enemies Liam and Imogen are trapped in a tunnel, they have to work together to survive. Below is a page-turning thriller about courage, teamwork, friendship and caring for the environment. With Below David Hill delivers a rich cast of characters and a gripping read for junior readers 8-11.’

Children of the Rush Book Two by James Russell: ‘All seems well in Gabriel's Gully, the ramshackle gold rush town in Otago, but it isn't long until disaster strikes and sinister faces reappear. In this second book in the series, a trio of children have little choice but to take action, despite the danger lurking. Junior readers will be transported into a wonderful world of adventure in this action-packed read that riffs off our gold rush history.’

Lopini the Legend by Feana Tu’akoi: ‘A heart-warming story for junior readers, Lopini the Legend, follows how Lopini, a perfectionist who is good at everything, reacts when he is replaced as the school Kapa Haka leader. Since this has made him feel like a failure, he decides that he will explore how it might be to fail in other areas and sets up weekly tasks which he has a very good chance of being unable to accomplish. The tasks such as putting on a dance at a local rest-home and assuming the role of maître d’ at the local sushi shop provide a lot of humour but, at the same time, serious issues arise as he ignores his good friend’s situation. A beautifully written story which brings wonderful Tongan characters to our bookshelves.’

Once Upon a Wickedness by Fleur Beale, illustrations by Lily Uivel: ‘Is an exciting adventure novel about orphan Dance Violet, with rich language, a magical setting and powerful messages about doing hard things, friendship and love. Illustrator Lily Uivel adds to the appeal for younger readers, with her whimsical artwork throughout.’

Tui Street Legends by Anne Kayes: ‘A great read for junior readers, Tui Street Legends, the third book in the series, follows the exploits of the Tui Street Gang, a group of kids living close by each other in a cul-de-sac in Awatiu. The book is divided into three sections, which allow young readers to complete a full story during one reading session but also enjoy the connections amongst them. The use of well-known myths as a centre-point for insight, discovery and magic works beautifully as the kids negotiate the joys and trials of school, friendship and parents and venture into the mystical worlds of holes within hedges.

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS

At the Bach by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper: ‘Joy Cowley’s At the Bach is a delightful picture book portraying generations of a family holidaying in a seaside bach. I loved the simplicity of the story, written as a succinct rhyming poem, which transports us to the old family bach -‘creaky old bed’-and to the seaside-‘sea by the door.’ Images of seashells beneath pillows, sandy skin and salt smells evoke the wonder and pleasure of a Kiwi summer while the detailed and softly and gently coloured Illustrations beautifully complement the narrative as the various family members, both old and young, are portrayed gathering in this familiar and very much-loved place.’

Dazzlehands by Sacha Cotter, illustrated by Josh Morgan: ‘A cow goes moo, a chicken goes cluck, a pig goes… Dazzlehands? What the..? The latest from the author of The Bomb continues her riff on celebrating diversity and individuality. Dazzlehands dazzles from the get-go, with its bright pink and silver cover and the intrigue of a pair bejewelled trotters thrust skywards. Reminiscent of the stubborn back-and-forth in Green Eggs and Ham, this playful tale is funny and fun to read aloud, and Morgan’s rainbow-bright illustrations are entertaining in their own right.’

Lucy and the Dark by Melinda Szymanik, illustrated by Vasanti Unka: Evocative illustrations by Vasanti Unka and a touching story by Melinda Szymanik about making friends with our fears, in this case, the very relatable fear of the dark, makes a compelling combo in Lucy and the Dark. This book is sure to become a firm favourite at bedtime for little ones who are nervous about lights out.

Tama and the Taniwha by Melanie Koster, illustrated by Monica Koster: ‘Tama’s terrified of the Taniwha his older sisters tell him is hiding in the river, waiting to get him. The tension builds as Tama slowly ventures into the water… and in a funny twist, his sisters get a taste of their own medicine. A very Kiwi story told with some useful Te Reo too, Tama and the Taniwha teems with rich vocabulary and vivid illustrations.’

There Was An Odd Farmer Who Swallowed A Fly by Peter Millett, illustrated by Paul Beavis: ‘A vibrant and engaging version of the ‘old woman who swallows a fly’ rhyme with a Kiwi slant – ‘it’s such weird Kai’. I really enjoyed the use of Te Reo in naming the objects this odd farmer chooses to devour, and kids will enjoy finding the words that complete the rhymes as well as the illustrations filled with hilarity, action, and colour. This is a great book for both reading aloud and personal reading and with a great twist at the end.

When Grandpa Wore a Tutu by Dawn McMillan, illustrated by Jenny Cooper: ‘A delightful, rollicking read for young readers written by Dawn McMillian, with lively and expressive illustrations by Jenny Cooper that perfectly capture the nostalgia of Grandpa’s dancing days.’