Myths about publication abound, so experienced author Melinda Szymanik sat down with unpublished (yet!) writer Holly Walmsley to unpick how the publication process really works in Aotearoa. The idea for this article was sparked by a comment from a writer…
On Friday 25 September, Fleur Beale presented the New Zealand Society of Authors Janet Frame Memorial Lecture, in association with Verb Wellington and the National Library of New Zealnd Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa. We’re pleased to reproduce her lecture…
The Whitcoulls Kids’ Top 50 for 2026 was announced this morning, and there are more New Zealand titles on the list than ever before. Put your knowledge to the test with our quiz on the books on the list. We’re…
The finalists for the children’s categories in the PANZ Book Design Awards share their insights on designing books for children. The PANZ Book Design Award ceremony will be held on Thursday, when the winners of nine design categories will be…
‘Man of action’ Airana Ngarewa has just released his first children’s book, The Comeback Kid. 1. Describe yourself in three words: Punch, kick, parry. 2. During the height of adolescence, was it a good changeover? I don’t know that I…
Kimberley Ngareta Kearney brings us a book list designed to encourage everyone to karawhiua—have a go! This week marks another whakanuia (celebration) of te reo Māori and what better way to celebrate our reo rangatira than to karawhiua and give…
SLANZA’s Rochelle Turnbull and Lauryn Urquhart on a critical assault to library services being made in the name of cost cutting Now is the time to strengthen literacy support infrastructure, not strip it away. The National Library announced proposed cuts…
With Father’s Day approaching, we’re sharing a Sampling from Dad Needs a New Bum! by Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird It’s a special day today, and here’s my parcel for Dad. A sweet-smelling present because … Dad Needs a New…
On National Poetry Day, we’re proud to reproduce year twelve student Daphney’s response to Jonjon Tolovae’s poem from The Ocean Remembers. Jonjon Tolovae’s ‘My Eyes Glisten’ is a powerful reflection of the resilience, history and courage of those belonging to…
Bookrapt. What an evocative name! It captures the feeling of being rapt or spellbound by books, which is what our fabulous society is all about. Founded in 1983 as The Bay of Plenty Children’s Literature Association, Bookrapt has evolved into…