Children's book award finalists announced

Twenty five "wonderful" New Zealand books have been selected by librarians for the annual Children's Book Awards.

The Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (Lianza) Russell Clark Children's Book Awards celebrates excellence in literature, illustration, non-fiction and te reo Maori.

Judge Belynda Smith said many of the finalist were first-time nominees.

"It's exciting to see all this talent emerging from New Zealand authors and illustrators," she said.

"But all the finalists are serious contenders and the judges are currently re-reading all the finalist books and are looking forward to lengthy discussion when they meet again, to determine the winners."

The award ceremony will take place in Wellington on August 16.

The Lianza 2010 finalists:

LIANZA Esther Glen Award (Fiction):

Friends: Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Gavin Bishop; The Loblolly Boy by James Norcliffe; Top Secret: Pass it on by Jaqueline Chapman; Glory by Fifi Colston; The Billionaires Curse by Richard Newsome.

LIANZA Young Adult (Fiction):

The Bone Tiki by David Hair; Banquo's Son by Tania Roxborough; The Crossing by Mandy Hager; About Griffen's Heart by Tina Shaw; Brainjack by Brian Falkner.

LIANZA Russell Clark Award (Illustration):

Rhinehold the Mouse by Di Batchelor; There was a Crooked Man by Gavin Bishop; Old Hu-Hu by Kyle Mewburn/Rachel Driscoll; The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith/Katz Cowley; Tiny Miss Dott and her Dotty Umbrella by Michelle Osment/Sarah Nelisiwe Anderson

LIANZA Elsie Locke (Non Fiction):

Nic's New Zealand Nature: Invaders by Nic Valance & Rod Morris; Dear Alison by Simon Pollard; Ben and Mark: Boys of the High Country by Christine Fernyhough & John Bougen; E3 Call Home by Janet Hunt; Get Growing: A NZ Step-by-Step Guide by Helen Cook

Te Kura Pounamu (te reo Maori):

Puao Series: Te Kahikatea, Te Miro, Te Tutu, Te Horopito by Keri Pewhairangi; Hu-Hu Koroheke by Kyle Mewburn, Rachel Driscoll translated by Katerina Te Heikoko Mataira; Te Wahi me te Taiao Series: Hauraki, Waipa, Kawhia Moana, Takaparawhau by Huia Publishers; Hewa by Darryn Joseph; Hautipua Rererangi by Huia Publishers/Andrew Burdan.

- NZPA