Scholastic New Zealand Award
for Best Children’s Book 2024
Finalist
Designer: Vida Kelly
Title: Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai
Publisher: Gecko Press
Format: 250 x 178mm,52pp, paperback with sewn binding, printed on 150gsm Yulong Cream FSC
Typography: Brother 1816 Printed 13/21pt. Title type was hand-lettered by the illustrator. It was a rough scribble on an early rough and I loved it and it was worked up for the cover, ensuring it didn’t lose any of its rawness.
"It was great fun working on this unique book. Deciding on the format took some time as it was recognised that it wasn’t your typical picture book. Working closely as a team with the publisher, author and illustrator was key to ensure that the book was bursting with life whilst also having continuity and clarity in the illustrations and design." – Vida Kelly
