For months, our 2026 NZCYA judges have been keeping the biggest secret in children’s books: who will take home the awards? 🏆 How do you keep a secret when you know all the winners? The Sapling asked them: www.thesapling.co.nz/nzcya-2026-o...

Have you ever wondered what an illustrator's sketchbook looks like? The Sapling invited each finalist to open their sketchbooks and share a fascinating peek into the creative process. 👉 Take a look: www.thesapling.co.nz/nzcya-2026-t...

Here’s a fun (and free!) booklet packed with activities inspired by this year’s finalist books. Perfect for keeping young minds busy and helping tamariki discover some of Aotearoa’s best children’s books. 👉 Download a FREE copy here: www.nzbookawards.nz/new-zealand-... #NZCYA #booksalive

📚 Weekend reading... Our good friends at The Sapling have brought together the creators behind this year's BookHub Picture Book Award finalists to share the stories behind their books. A fascinating read: tinyurl.com/4rcyz9f3

The team at Kete Books asked some of the newly announced finalists how they felt when they heard the news and what it means to them to have their book shortlisted. www.ketebooks.co.nz/readinglists...

'How does it feel to be shortlisted for the Children's Awards?': nine finalists speak

How would you feel if you were shortlisted for an award? Read on to see what some of the 2026 Children's Awards finalists have to say.

ketebooks.co.nz

We're absolutely thrilled with this fantastic coverage from Claire Mabey at The Spinoff. Grab a cuppa and enjoy! thespinoff.co.nz/books/10-06-...

All the finalists in the 2026 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults

All the best children's books from Aotearoa, as selected by an esteemed panel of judges.

thespinoff.co.nz

The 2026 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults shortlist is announced! Warmest congratulations to this year's finalists. More details are here: tinyurl.com/mrxnbjy5. Check out these wonderful books in bookstores and libraries near you! #NZCYA #booksalive

⏳📚 The countdown is officially on! Only two weeks to go until the finalists for the 2026 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are revealed! 🎉 Who will make the shortlist? 👀 Stay tuned… #NZCYA #booksalive

Our 2026 NZCYA judging panels bring together expertise from classrooms, libraries, publishing, bookselling and te reo Māori advocacy 📚 Over the coming weeks, we’ll share some of their reflections ahead of the finalists' announcement on 10 June. Stay tuned! #NZCYA #booksalive