Detailed descriptions of sex acts, coarse language and scenes of drug-taking are at the heart of why a novel was voted the best children's book of the year.

A novel voted this week as the best children's book of the year is laced with detailed descriptions of sex acts, coarse language and drug-taking.

Julie Thomas was forced to spend the first four years of her life in bed — any physical exertion, even crying, threatened her life. Books were her saviour.

The New Zealand commander of the "Battle of Baghak", in which two Kiwi soldiers were killed, has been allowed to interview witnesses for a book he is writing.

Good, well-written stories that go to the heart of a reader and touch the truth of any human experience, including sex, can help a young mind rise above smut.

Filmed 30 years ago, out-of-print for quarter of a century, The Odd Angry Shot is a savage and mordantly funny novel that follows a group of Aussie SAS troopers in South Vietnam during the ugly, unjustified war of the 1960s.

When your husband and brother are best-selling authors, writing your first novel takes guts, writes Stephen Jewell.

Margaret Mahy has been posthumously awarded a prize at the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards.

A violin's journey invokes smiles and tears, writes Nicky Pellegrino.

British writer Neil Gaiman’s new fantasy, rooted in the darkest corners of reality, is no kids’ tale, writes Stephen Jewell.

Long-time Hollywood director Chris Columbus wants his latest success story to stay on the page — for now, anyway, writes Stephen Jewell.

Inequality means watching people close to you.

New Zealand has become a richer country in the past 30 years.

Katie Price has revealed she is planning to release her fifth autobiography later this year - at the age of just 35.

When it comes to changing your life, CV writer-turned-career coach Tom O'Neil says it is better to make changes by degrees.

Best-selling author Barbara Taylor Bradford has dismissed erotic romance Fifty Shades Of Grey.

Legendary screen siren Ava Gardner has told all from beyond the grave in a explosive new autobiography detailing the sex, lies and booze that caused her so much heartache.

Stories told of the mostly unknown women behind US astronauts.

The materially successful but spiritually bereft Janine Harding finds herself, in her early 40s, living in a “do-up” on an island in the Hauraki Gulf, where time on her hands sets her to thinking about her family history.

The book I love most is ... Roald Dahl's Matilda, the story of a genius 5-year-old girl who overcomes all odds.

In this book full of striking images, it's the first that seems to best capture the essence of potter Barry Brickell - a 1971 portrait of the artist bent double to work inside a huge ceramic jar, his trunk vanishing ostrich-like into its clay mouth.

Jobs will be lost in New Zealand at book publishers HarperCollins and Pearson after the companies yesterday announced intentions to close some operations.

Alexa Chung says her highly-anticipated style book featuring her inspirations and musings will be called It.

Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli will lift the lid on his life when he releases his autobiography later this year.

An older woman's wisdom is an asset we can all bank, writes Nicky Pellegrino.