Books Alive is a programme of large-scale, immersive events that bring hundreds of students in touch with finalist authors and illustrators in the weeks leading up to the annual New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults ceremony.

Programmed by literature experts, the engaging sessions for school groups are designed to drive a sense of belonging and relevance around books and reading for our tamariki and rangatahi.

In 2026 we’re delighted to be bringing our Books Alive events back to Christchurch and Wellington.

Christchurch – Thursday 13 August and Friday 14 August

On 13 and 14 August, Ōtautahi will host an exciting line-up of shortlisted authors and illustrators in Books Alive events hosted by WORD Christchurch, and supported by Read NZ Te Pou Muramura.

These events will be aimed at primary and intermediate age groups, and will be held over two mornings:

• Thursday 13 August, 10.00-11.30am, at Chisnallwood Intermediate School Hall (76-90 Breezes Road, Avondale, Christchurch 8061) - featuring 2026 finalists Heather Haylock (Koro Wētā), Inangaro Vakaafi (Hunt for Niu Tupu), and Toby Morris (Pūkeko Who-Keko?)
• Friday 14 August, 10.00-11.30am, at Hillmorton High School Hall (31 Tankerville Road, Hoon Hay, Christchurch 8025) - featuring 2026 finalists Giselle Clarkson (Omnibird), Inangaro Vakaafi (Hunt for Niu Tupu), and Sacha Cotter (A Guide to Rocks)

The bookseller for WORD Christchurch Books Alive is UBS Canterbury. Their order form for these events can be downloaded here.

Wellington – Wednesday 19 August

Books Alive events - programmed and supported by Wellington City Libraries - will be held at Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, Wellington's Central Library (65 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011) on Wednesday 19 August.

Over 20 finalists in the 2026 New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults will be appearing at the Wellington Books Alive events. These fantastic writers and illustrators are: Brian Falkner, Bronwen Wall and Jonathan Kennett, Giselle Clarkson, Graci Kim, Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison, Heather Haylock, Helen Vivienne Fletcher, Inangaro Vakaafi, Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, Jem Yoshioka, Kimberley Kearney, Leonie Agnew, Mat Tait, Ned Barraud, Rachael Craw, Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan, Shelley Burne-Field, Swapna Haddow, and Toby Morris.

There will be sessions for upper primary, intermediate, and secondary school students in a varied programme that will include behind-the-book talks, live drawing, workshops on writing and illustration, and lightning talk sessions.

Schools that attend Wellington Books Alive events will be provided with individual schedules that are created especially for them based on the ages and interests of students.

All the books on the 2026 shortlist will be available for sale at the Wellington Books Alive, and the bookseller for this event will be The Children's Bookshop Kilbirnie.

Due to overwhelming interest, we have had to close registrations for Wellington Books Alive events. If you are interested in attending and would like to be added to a waiting list, please email booksalive@nzbookawards.org.nz. Should any cancellations occur, we will do our best to fit your group in.

Please note that while all Books Alive events are free, booking is essential.