Keys and Ngā Kī Finalists in 2015 NZ Book Awards

Keys and Ngā Kī Finalists in 2015 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults

The new children's book 'Keys' along with the te reo Māori version 'Ngā Kī' from HUIA Publishers have been selected as finalists in the 2015 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

'Keys' is the first published work of author Sacha Cotter and was selected as one of the five Picture Book finalists from 75 entries. Judging panel convenor Bob Docherty says the judges were very pleased with the high quality of this year's writing.

"The Picture Book category gave the judges the most difficulty. With a whopping 75 entries, there was fierce competition to pare these down to five finalists. This indicates that New Zealand is producing its fair share of wonderfully strong visual stories – stories with simple integrity yet with expressive characters, where both author and illustrator work together to capture our interest on every page,” says Bob.

Sacha was surprised when she first heard the news. "I almost cried. I never thought I'd be a finalist. Launching my first book in December was a dream come true for me, so now to have the book become a finalist six months later, it's overwhelming."

For the second year, a signed copy of the five Picture Book finalists' books will be sent to Prince George and his newborn sister Princess Charlotte so Sacha will have a royal readership as well. "It's a bit hard to believe that they are going to be reading my book" says Sacha. "I'll have to think of a special note to write to them in the book".

Sacha's family, who are integral to the 'Keys' story, were happy to hear the news back in Kawerau. "My parents are over the moon. 'Keys' was based on my earliest childhood memory of my Dad arriving home and his keys jangling in the door. They're also proud that this is a good news story for Kawerau."

The te reo Māori version of 'Keys' titled 'Ngā Kī' was translated by Kawata Teepa and is one of two finalists in the Māori Language category of the Awards. According to judge Stephanie Pohe-Tibble "the two finalists both stood out with their innovative approach to translation, wonderful text and illustrations and creativity of storylines. I hope that all parents wishing to enrich their children's lives with the Māori language will get to spend some special time with their children reading and enjoying these books."

Sacha is unable to attend the Finalist Authors' Tour in early August as she will be away in Spain, where incidentally 'Keys' was originally written. However 'Keys' illustrator Josh Morgan will be appearing on the tour of bookshops, libraries and schools around the country.

Sacha will be back in time for the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults to be held on Thursday 13th August 2015 at Government House in Wellington.

(Pictured Sacha Cotter with illustrator Josh Morgan and Brian Morris from HUIA Publishers launching 'Keys' and 'Ngā Kī' in December 2014 at the Wellington Central Library)

The full list of finalists can be found here.

ENDS

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