The New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults is a nationwide celebration of books and reading for children and teenagers. In the lead up to the final award ceremony, held in Wellington on May 21st, each region runs a series of events to promote reading and books with an emphasis on having fun.

This year the North Auckland region will have touring author and illustrator Dave Gunson. Dave is a finalist along with Andrew Crowe in the children’s non fiction book category for “A mini guide to the identification of New Zealand's land birds”. See the North Auckland Festival Programme 12-21st May for more details.

This year an exciting new look for the awards is taken to reflect the ever changing and diverse world of Children and Young Adults books.

New Zealand Post Book Awards for 2008

Picture Book Finalists

• The King's Bubbles by Ruth Paul
• Out of the Egg by Tina Matthews
• Rats! by Gavin Bishop
• Tahi - One Lucky Kiwi by Melanie Drewery, Ali Teo, John O'Reilly
• The the Harbour by Stanley Palmer

                    

Non Fiction Finalists

• A Mini Guide to the Identification of New Zealand Land Birds by Andrew Crowe, David Gunson
• Weather Watch New Zealand by Sandra Carrod, Karsten Schneider, Richard Gunther
• Reaching the Summit by Alexa Johnston, David Larsen
• What is a Fish? by Feana Tu'akoi
• Which New Zealand Spider? by Andrew Crowe

                        

Junior Fiction Finalists

• Dead Dan's Dee by Phyllis Johnston
• The Dumpster Saga by Craig Harrison
• The Mad Tadpole Adventure by Melanie Drewery, Jenny Cooper
• Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley, Gavin Bishop
• Sitting on the Fence - The Diary of Martin Daly, Christchurch 1981 by Bill Nagelkerke

                    

Young Adults Fiction Finalists

• Salt by Maurice Gee
• The Sea-wreck Stranger by Anna Mackenzie
• Tomorrow All Will Be Beautiful by Brigid Lowry
• The Transformation of Minna Hargreaves by Fleur Beale
• Zillah by Penelope Todd