Vanessa Hatley Owen

2023 NZCYA Picture Book Award Finalists

Editor Linda Jane Keegan took the picture book finalists to Tākaka Primary School to get the opinions from some of the junior classes. They were very receptive and engaged, and loved sharing their thoughts on the books (and anything else…

School Librarians of Aotearoa: Vanessa Hatley-Owen

Vanessa Hatley-Owen is a librarian at Botany Downs Primary School, Auckland. Here, she tells us about the best aspects of her job, what challenges she’s come up against, and about her own book! Tell us about where you work and…

Book Reviews: Five New Zealand Picture Books

Writer and bookseller Adele Broadbent reviews five New Zealand picture books, including everything from cute creatures to a picture book that tackles PTSD, to a lovely Christmas title. Hollybee Hope wants a Prickly Coat, by Deborah Hinde Deborah Hinde often…