Congratulations Jack Lasenby, Barbara Else, and all!

Those of us who went along had a great time at the NZ Post Children's Book Awards last night. NZ Post and Booksellers NZ know how to throw a party!

We're thrilled that WCBA Patron Jack Lasenby won the Young Adult Fiction award for his book Calling The Gods (HarperCollins).

We are also delighted for WCBA member Barbara Else, who took home an honour award for The Travelling Restaurant (Gecko Press).

Other Wellingtonians who did the region proud last night include Chris Szekely who won the top award in the picture book category for Rahui (published by Huia, with illustrations by Malcolm Ross who passed away some years ago), and Ant Sang who won an honour award for Shaolin Burning (HarperCollins).


It's also wonderful to see the Wellington publishers doing well in the awards - Huia and Gecko.

Congratulations to all winners and finalists, here in Wellington and around the country!

See the Booksellers press release here.

Ever dreamed of your own children's bookshop?

Are you a children's literature enthusiast who's always dreamed of running a children's bookshop? 

We're sad to hear that Malcolm at Storytime Books in Petone is looking to sell up (although his reasons are happy - he wants to spend more time with family). We hope he finds someone to buy his business who is as dedicated to children's books and as marvellous to deal with as he is. 

If you're interested in finding out more about this children's book business in the heart of fun and thriving Petone, see The Storytime Books blog.