Scholastic New Zealand Award
for Best Children’s Book 2024
Winner
Designer: Vida Kelly
Title: The Observologist
Publisher: Gecko Press
Format: 260 x 200mm, 120pp, hardback with sewn binding, printed on 150gsm Yulong Pure 1.3 FSC.
Spot varnish was used on the cover as a way to highlight the shiny bits on the fly, especially the wings.
Typography: Adelle 10/14pt. Additional text hand-lettered by author.
Judges' comments This book is a standout—fun, informative, and delightfully quirky. It captures the playful spirit of the content, engaging curious readers of all ages, from 8 to 80! Balancing childlike curiosity with Instagram-era humour, it cleverly uses colour and integrates facts seamlessly. The eye-witness style, cutaway visuals, and handwritten notes add a personal touch, enhancing the author's unique voice. Just as the content encourages observing our environment with care and curiosity, the design mirrors this ethos with equal thoughtfulness.
