2025 Awards

BOOKHUB PICTURE BOOK AWARD

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    Beddy-bye Time in the Kōwhai Tree

    Published by: Scholastic New Zealand

    Written by Juliette MacIver
    illustrated by Lily Uivel

    Written by Juliette MacIver and illustrated by Lily Uivel

    This quintessentially Kiwi romp captures the fun and chaos of getting a wee one to bed. The whimsical tale, told using clever rhyme, counting in threes, and with a sprinkling of kupu Māori, is complemented by detailed, witty illustrations in a beautifully calm colourway. A funny, engaging and magical bedtime read.

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    Mataali‘i

    Published by: Mila’s Books

    Written by Dahlia Malaeulu (Vaivase Tai, Sinamoga)
    illustrated by Darcy Solia

    Written by Dahlia Malaeulu (Vaivase Tai, Sinamoga) and illustrated by Darcy Solia

    Fetū is the youngest sister of heavenly-appointed guardians, and her only job is to be the heart of the family. But what good is her love, when her siblings keep turning into stars? Deftly interwoven with Sāmoan cultural values and evocative illustrations, this deeply moving tale brings Mataali‘i to life in a new and powerful way.

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    Ten Nosey Weka

    Published by: Bateman Books

    Written by Kate Preece
    illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu)

    Written by Kate Preece and illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu)

    This charmingly illustrated and playful trilingual counting rhyme follows a bunch of cheeky weka on their Rēkohu adventures. Numbers and simple nouns in ta rē Moriori, te reo Māori and English are followed by information about the Chatham Islands and their creatures. An entertaining and informative introduction to Aotearoa’s ancient languages.

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    Titiro Look

    Published by: Gecko Press, Lerner Publishing Group

    Written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa)
    translated by Darryn Joseph (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Rereahu)

    Written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa) and translated by Darryn Joseph (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Rereahu)

    A deceptively simple bilingual reo Māori-English board book, where carefully chosen kupu and vibrant, meticulously crafted illustrations create complex layers of meaning and connection. Words reappear in new contexts and combinations, and illustrations pair a diverse range of whānau members with cherished childhood belongings. Perfect for sharing, exploring and learning.

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    You Can’t Pat a Fish

    Published by: Walker Books Australia

    Written and illustrated by Ruth Paul

    Written and illustrated by Ruth Paul

    After a disappointing visit to the pet shop, an unimpressed child has to come to terms with her new, wet pet. Skilfully rhymed, with playful humour and modern, dynamic illustrations, the story highlights the joy to be found in not getting what you want. Fresh, funny and an absolute delight to read aloud.

WRIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION ESTHER GLEN AWARD FOR JUNIOR FICTION

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    Brown Bird

    Published by: Puffin, Penguin Random House

    Written by Jane Arthur

    Written by Jane Arthur

    Eleven-year-old Rebecca is a shy introvert, desperate to go unnoticed. All that changes when a new friend comes to stay for the summer. A gentle and poignant examination of finding friendship, family and the seldom-explored joys of being the quiet one. Each sentence is a poem in itself, thoughtful, resonant and artfully restrained.

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    Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat

    Published by: Puffin, Penguin Random House

    Written and illustrated by Li Chen

    Written and illustrated by Li Chen

    A crime-solving kitten, an elusive hat and a diamond heist oil the wheels of this adorable comic caper. Detective Beans is on the case, even if his mum does want him back by dinner time. Li Chen’s sweet graphic novella artfully blends humour and adventure in a twisty tale of an intrepid young gumshoe cat.

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    The Apprentice Witnesser

    Published by: Allen & Unwin

    Written by Bren MacDibble

    Written by Bren MacDibble

    In a post-apocalyptic world, plagues have swept away everything that was once familiar and knowledge is being reborn in the hands of ‘witnessers’. Hoping to join their ranks is twelve-year-old apprentice witnesser Bastienne Scull, a plucky survivor in search of her place. An immersive, environmentally profound vision of a possible future.

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    The Raven’s Eye Runaways

    Published by: Allen & Unwin

    Written by Claire Mabey

    Written by Claire Mabey

    With her friends and a one-eyed raven as accomplices, Getwin is on a wild mission, determined to uncover truths about the world they live in — a world where writing and reading is restricted to the elites. Rich, atmospheric prose propels this fantasy quest, and the power of words is explored with magical enthusiasm.

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    Violet and the Velvets: The Case of the Missing Stuff

    Published by: Allen & Unwin

    Written by Rachael King
    illustrated by Phoebe Morris

    Written by Rachael King and illustrated by Phoebe Morris

    Violet Grumble is putting aside her performance (and social) anxiety, picking up a guitar and starting a band. But when stuff starts to go missing, band rivalry tensions reach a new high. A riotously fun and brilliantly constructed adventure that incorporates a heartfelt and accurate depiction of the ADHD girl-brain in action.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION AWARD

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    Bear

    Published by: Allen & Unwin

    Written by Kiri Lightfoot
    illustrated by Pippa Keel Situ

    Written by Kiri Lightfoot and illustrated by Pippa Keel Situ

    The world seems determined to test Jasper Robinson-Woods. There’s his too-long name, his mum’s stupid boyfriend, his glaringly absent Dad, and his dying goldfish. Worst of all, there’s a creature lurking in his nightmares, threatening to tear everything apart. A moving novel of adolescent rage, humour, kindness, and the pain of finding yourself.

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    Gracehopper

    Published by: One Tree House

    Written by Mandy Hager

    Written by Mandy Hager

    Grace’s life has been a series of earthquakes, right from the day she was born. Grace is trying to navigate these tremors when her best friend Charlie returns, and secrets of the past are finally confronted. A cleverly crafted, poignant examination of identity, loss, acceptance and resilience in an unstable world.

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    Migration

    Published by: Huia Publishers

    Written by Steph Matuku (Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga)

    Written by Steph Matuku (Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga)

    Desperate to escape both her planet and her Mum, Farah’s chosen destiny is Western Wānanga interplanetary military school. But Farah will have to test herself, and explore who she really is and what she wants to become. Te Ao Mārama is woven into this striking dystopian space odyssey set 3,000 years into our possible future.

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    The Mess of Our Lives

    Published by: One Tree House

    Written by Mary-anne Scott

    Written by Mary-anne Scott

    How do you make sense of your own life when you are drowning in someone else’s mess? Jordan Baxter‘s mum is an extreme hoarder, and he and his sister Tabitha are trapped by her affliction and neglect. This immersive and visceral novel powerfully portrays the trauma of their lives, yet beneath its grim morass, hope can still be found.
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    The Paradise Generation

    Published by: umop apisdn press

    Written by Sanna Thompson

    Written by Sanna Thompson

    When the girl of his dreams is an epic fail as a genome match, Kieran won’t accept the options that fate hands him. As the fabric of his world begins to unravel, Kieran questions everything – but discovering the truth could get him killed. A pacey, sophisticated and thought-provoking dystopian vision of a future Wellington.

ELSIE LOCKE AWARD FOR NON-FICTION

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    Black Magic

    Published by: Reading Warrior

    Written by David Riley
    illustrated by Munro Te Whata (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Makefu)

    Written by David Riley and illustrated by Munro Te Whata (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Makefu)

    The fascinating history behind the black uniforms with silver ferns that are worn by Aotearoa’s sportspeople is told in an engaging narrative, which will capture the interest of sports lovers and non-sports lovers alike. Crisp and dynamic illustrations provide a perfect accompaniment for this tale of heroes, national identity, pride and determination.

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    Dear Moko: Māori Wisdom for our Young Ones

    Published by: Penguin, Penguin Random House

    Written by Hinemoa Elder (Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kurī, Ngāi Takoto, Ngāpuhi nui tonu)

    Written by Hinemoa Elder (Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kurī, Ngāi Takoto, Ngāpuhi nui tonu)

    A stunning collection of whakataukī that explains their meanings and links them to everyday life. Speaking directly to readers with warmth and kindness, this pukapuka suggests ways of building connections and aroha and makes it clear that there are many ways to be Māori, while also being inclusive of readers of all backgrounds.

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    Ruru, Night Hunter

    Published by: Scholastic New Zealand

    Written by Katie Furze
    illustrated by Ned Barraud

    Written by Katie Furze and illustrated by Ned Barraud

    This beautifully illustrated creative non-fiction picture book tells the story of a night in the life of a ruru, from hunting, to evading human threats and mammalian predators, to feeding its young. The writing is poetic and well-paced, and is enhanced by expertly rendered illustrations washed in a dark blue-grey palette.

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    The Treaty of Waitangi

    Published by: Oratia Books

    Written by Ross Calman (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Kāi Tahu)

    Written by Ross Calman (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Kāi Tahu)

    An in-depth and concise overview of Te Tiriti o Waitangi that is a must-have for every home, library and classroom. The complexity of our founding document is successfully explained from an authentic perspective, in a way that will be accessible to younger readers without simplifying or leaving out critical aspects, or seeking to elicit guilt.

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    Tui Pea Luva

    Published by: Mila’s Books

    Written by Mele Tonga-Grant
    illustrated by Luca Walton

    Written by Mele Tonga-Grant and illustrated by Luca Walton

    Tui Pea Luva shares Pasifika perspectives through a wonderful collection of poems that are rich in descriptive language and identity, and reflect the realities of Tongan families. The layout and illustrations holding the text together are a visual delight and give room for the poems, and the reader, to breathe.

RUSSELL CLARK AWARD FOR ILLUSTRATION

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    Alice and the Strange Bird

    Published by: Isaac du Toit

    Illustrated and written by Isaac du Toit

    Illustrated and written by Isaac du Toit

    Seven-year-old Alice McKenzie and her brother were the last people to see a living moa. Isaac du Toit’s use of diorama takes the reader back to 1880, and his arresting illustrations are quirky, eerie, haunting, and strange. Are you brave enough to follow Alice into the Martins Bay sandhills of 145 years ago?

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    Hineraukatauri me Te Ara Pūoro

    Published by: Huia Publishers

    Illustrated by Rehua Wilson (Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa)

    Illustrated by Rehua Wilson (Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa)

    The journey of Hineraukatauri, a chrysalis who enters the human world without a voice, is shown through a stunning mixture of darkness and light, abstract imagery, and powerful and realistic figure drawing. The beautiful images convey a waiata-like sense of movement, reflecting the progress of Hineraukatauri as she is gifted different elements of music.

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    Poem for Ataahua

    Published by: Reading Warrior

    Illustrated by Sarah Wilkins

    Illustrated by Sarah Wilkins

    Cook Islands Māori poet Alistair Te Ariki Campbell wrote this poem for his great-granddaughter Ataahua, and Sarah Wilkins shares her vision of it through her illustrations. Changes in perspective offer deep insights into the magic of the words, and the beautiful drawings of Ataahua are visual treasures in themselves.

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    Sad Sushi

    Published by: Anna Aldridge

    Illustrated and written by Anna Aldridge

    Illustrated and written by Anna Aldridge

    Sad Sushi is a powerful yet accessible exploration of the experience of depression, with illustrations that convey complicated emotions and mood shifts in a way that young readers might otherwise struggle to identify or understand. Complex, dreamy and at times almost ukiyo-e-like in its composition, this is a beautifully crafted picture book.

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    You Can’t Pat a Fish

    Published by: Walker Books Australia

    Illustrated and written by Ruth Paul

    Illustrated and written by Ruth Paul

    A little girl wants a pet – but isn’t at all impressed when the pet that she is given is a fish. What’s wrong with a fish, you ask? Ruth Paul’s delightful combination of zany images and quirky rhyming text will convince every young child that, actually, they would absolutely love to have a pet fish!

WRIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION TE KURA POUNAMU AWARDS FOR TE REO MĀORI

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    A Ariā me te Atua o te Kūmara

    Published by: Puffin, Penguin Random House

    Written by Witi Ihimaera (Te Whānau a Kai, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngāti Porou)
    illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu)
    translated by Hēni Jacob (Ngāti Raukawa)

    Written by Witi Ihimaera (Te Whānau a Kai, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngāti Porou), illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu) and translated by Hēni Jacob (Ngāti Raukawa)

    He kōrero whakaohooho tēnei mō tētahi haerenga roa, uaua hoki nō Ariā me ōna hoa ki te rangi, me kore noa e kitea e rātou he rongoā mō te kūmara e mate haere nei, otirā, mō te ao nui tonu. Ko te āhua, nō tuawhakarere rā anō te kōrero nei, i pēnei ai i te rawe o tā Hēni Jacobs whakamāori i ā Witi Ihimaera kupu. E rōnaki ana te rere o te reo, ā, ko ngā pikitia rerehua hoki hei kīnaki.

    An inspirational tale of a long and difficult journey to the sky by Ariā and her friends, as they try to save the world’s dying kūmara – and the world itself. Hēni Jacobs’ excellent translation of Witi Ihimaera’s original words has the feel of a story from long ago. The reo flows easily, and is supported by the beautiful illustrations.

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    * Hineraukatauri me Te Ara Pūoro

    Published by: Huia Publishers

    Written by Elizabeth Gray (Ngāti Rēhia, Ngāti Uepōhatu, Tama Ūpoko ki te awa tipua, Ngāti Tūwharetoa anō hoki)
    illustrated by Rehua Wilson (Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa)

    Written by Elizabeth Gray (Ngāti Rēhia, Ngāti Uepōhatu, Tama Ūpoko ki te awa tipua, Ngāti Tūwharetoa anō hoki) and illustrated by Rehua Wilson (Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa)

    I te pukapuka o Hineraukatauri me Te Ara Pūoro, e whakamahia ana te reo waiata me ngā pikitia pūkare hei whakapuaki i te pūrākau mō te kawenga mai o te pūoro ki te ao mārama e Hineraukatauri. He taonga tēnei pukapuka e whakaatu ana i te wairua o te ao Māori ki te ao pānui pukapuka mā roto mai i tētahi whakaahuatanga Māori tonu o ngā atua Māori me te wairua Māori.

    Hineraukatauri me Te Ara Pūoro uses lyrical language and evocative illustrations to tell the pūrākau of how Hineraukatauri brought music into the world. This book is a taonga that brings the essence of te ao Māori to the wider reading world, through an authentically Māori representation of atua Māori and wairua Māori.

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    Ka mātoro a Whetū rāua ko Kohu i Rotorua

    Published by: Round Door Design

    Written and illustrated by Hayley Elliott-Kernot
    translated by Te Ingo Ngaia (Taranaki, Ngāruahine, Te Ātiawa, Waikato-Maniapoto, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whānau-a-Karuai)

    Written and illustrated by Hayley Elliott-Kernot and translated by Te Ingo Ngaia (Taranaki, Ngāruahine, Te Ātiawa, Waikato-Maniapoto, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whānau-a-Karuai)

    E whakaaturia ana ngā wāhi me ngā kōrero nui whakahirahira o Rotorua i a Whetū rāua ko Kohu, he kea tētahi, he kererū tētahi, e tūhura haere ana i te rohe. He mōhiohio whai uara anō kua tāpirihia i tētahi mahere me ētahi meka mō ngā manu o Aotearoa. Ka kapohia ngā tamariki e ngā pātai o te pukapuka nei ki ōna kaipānui, e ōna pikitia whakangahau, muramura anō hoki.

    The significant places and stories of Rotorua area are showcased here as Whetū and Kohu, a kea and a kererū, explore the area. A map and some fun facts about the manu of Aotearoa add informative value. Tamariki will be engaged by the questions this book asks of its readers, and by its whimsical, bright and colourful illustrations.

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    Ko ngā Whetū Kai o Matariki, ko Tupuānuku rāua ko Tupuārangi

    Published by: Scholastic New Zealand

    Written by Miriama Kamo (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga)
    illustrated by Zak Waipara (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Ruapani, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata)
    translated by Ariana Stevens (Poutini Ngāi Tahu)

    Written by Miriama Kamo (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga), illustrated by Zak Waipara (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Ruapani, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata) and translated by Ariana Stevens (Poutini Ngāi Tahu)

    E whakaaturia ana i tēnei kōrero āhuareka te hiranga o ngā whetū o te kāhui o Matariki, arā, o Tupuānuku me Tupuārangi ki ngā tikanga whakatupu kai, hauhake kai anō hoki, otirā, ki te whenua tonu. E miramirangia ana ngā kōrero me ngā tikanga mō Matariki me tēnei wāhanga o te tau, ā, nā konā i whai tikanga ai hei ara e ako ai ngā tamariki i ēnei āhuatanga mō Matariki.

    The importance of the Matariki stars Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi to food growing and gathering, and to the land itself, is displayed in this playful tale. The stories and tikanga surrounding the Matariki season are highlighted, giving this book considerable value as an accessible way for tamariki to learn about these aspects of Matariki.

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    * Ngā Kupenga a Nanny Rina

    Published by: Puffin, Penguin Random House

    Written by Qiane Matata-Sipu (Te Waiohua, Waikato, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao, Cook Islands)
    illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu)

    Written by Qiane Matata-Sipu (Te Waiohua, Waikato, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao, Cook Islands) and illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu)

    Ka whakaako a Nanny Rina i ngā tikanga o te raranga ki tāna mokopuna i tēnei kōrero pārekareka kua puta ake i te ao Māori tonu. He whakanui tēnei whakaahuatanga i te pai o te mahi tahi a kuia me te mokopuna i te tukunga ihotanga o ngā tikanga i tētahi whakatupuranga ki tētahi whakatupuranga i te whānau Māori.

    Nanny Rina teaches the intricacies of weaving to her moko in a fun and enjoyable story that comes authentically from te ao Māori. The depiction of the wonderful way in which grandmother and grandchild work together is a celebration of the way tikanga is handed down from one generation to the next in whānau Māori.

    * Indicates a finalist book originally written in te reo Māori

NZSA BEST FIRST BOOK AWARD

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    Brave Kāhu and the Pōrangi Magpie

    Published by: Allen & Unwin

    Written by Shelley Burne-Field (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa, Sāmoa)

    Written by Shelley Burne-Field (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa, Sāmoa)

    While still navigating her own grief following the tragic loss of her mother, brave kāhu Poto rises to lead her whānau through looming threats and adventures. Told using original and poetic language with te reo Māori interwoven throughout, this is a story of resilience, inclusion, and aroha — a true celebration of the magic of Aotearoa.

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    Play Wild

    Published by: Bateman Books

    Written by Rachel Clare

    Written by Rachel Clare

    A joyful, hands-on celebration of nature, creativity and the magic of play, bursting with ideas to explore, create and connect with te taiao. Clear, easy-to-follow instructions for nature-based craft activities will inspire confidence and imagination. Play Wild offers more than crafts: it’s an invitation to slow down, get outside, and find wonder in the everyday world.

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    The Raven’s Eye Runaways

    Published by: Allen & Unwin

    Written by Claire Mabey

    Written by Claire Mabey

    In a society where reading and writing are privileges reserved for an elite few, Getwin hides a dangerous truth: she can do both. Lyrically written, The Raven’s Eye Runaways is lush with sensory detail — earthy, vibrant, and steeped in the natural and the magical. A tale of resilience, secrecy, and the quiet power of knowledge.

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    The Witch of Maketu and the Bleating Lambs

    Published by: Puffin, Penguin Random House

    Written by Anika Moa (Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri)
    illustrated by Rebecca ter Borg

    Written by Anika Moa (Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri) and illustrated by Rebecca ter Borg

    A bleatingly brilliant picture book packed with classic Aotearoa humour, quirky charm, and a dash of evil. This laugh-out-loud adventure follows a sleep-deprived witch and her noisy, rebellious lambs, who are plotting their escape. Tamariki will giggle at the chaos and cheeky humour in this creepy, creative delight that is perfect for read-alouds.

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    The Writing Desk

    Published by: Bateman Books

    Written and illustrated by Di Morris

    Written and illustrated by Di Morris

    One Pākehā family’s whakapapa in Aotearoa is explored in a visually stunning graphic novel. Personal stories are woven into broader currents of 19th and 20th century history, showing the complexities of identity, belonging, and colonisation. The Writing Desk doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, but is also a celebration of aroha and resilience.