Catran takes writing award

Children's author Ken Catran received the prized Esther Glen Award for his World War I tale Jacko Moran, Sniper at the Lianza awards in Auckland's Sky City last night.

The South Canterbury writer last year had three books shortlisted for the same Lianza (Library and Information Association) award, and in 2001 his novel Voyage With Jason won the NZ Post Children's Book of the Year Award.

Catran, a former Aucklander, has also written for television, including Shortland Street and Close to Home, and won the best drama award in 1984 for Children of the Dog Star.

At last night's ceremony, the Russell Clark Award for illustration for children went to former Waves singer-songwriter Graeme Gash for Napoleon and the Chicken Farmer.

The Elsie Locke Award for children's non-fiction went to Waiheke Island writer Janet Hunt for A Bird in the Hand: Keeping New Zealand Wildlife Safe.

The Te Kura Pounamu Award for writing in Maori went to Dunedin author Ross Calman for Te Tahuna.

The Lianza awards are regarded as the country's major children's book honours. Each winner received a medal or taonga and $1000.