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
Judges' comments How refreshing to have something so wildly different and original! This book is funny, quirky, and surprising from content through to design. The story captures the whimsical and unreliable narration of a contemporary child, blending playful and dreamlike illustrations with a layered narrative. The collaboration between designer, illustrator, and writer is evident, integrating text and illustration seamlessly. Reflecting on the values and conflicts of growing up in a Māori whānau, the book is both brilliant and visually captivating, with a unique voice brought to life by the author's son and Toki’s evocative visual language. Congratulations!
