Some of our best writers and illustrators take to the streets, parks, libraries and schools all over the country next week in celebration of this year’s New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards.

Twenty of this year’s Awards finalists will visit towns and cities - from Whangarei to Invercargill - from the 7th to the 16th of May. They’ll be entertaining children of all ages; from tiny tots to teenagers with events as diverse as pyjama parties, scavenger book hunts, bi-lingual readings, carnivorous plant competitions and book character dance shows.

Book Awards Governance Group Chairman, Sam Elworthy says virtually every corner of New Zealand can look forward to events where books and their characters come to life.

‘Books spark people’s imaginations, and this year there are some stunning visual and story-filled events for littlies and teenagers to take part in.’

This year’s New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards finalists are on tour as part of this annual nationwide festival of children’s reading and literature. Now in their 16th year, they are the nation’s most prestigious awards, celebrating writing and publishing for the country’s young people.

The celebrations culminate in the announcement of the winners in Wellington on Wednesday 16 May.

Northland: Sunday 6 May 10 am – 12.30pm Whangarei Central Library. FREE!
Storytime Character Hunt. Search the nooks and crannies of Whangarei’s fabulous library and  adjoining Caler Park to find your favourite storybook characters.  You must then ask each of them ‘WHAT’S YOUR STORY?’ to qualify for a stamp on your entry card. And when you’ve found all the hidden characters, return to the Children’s Room of the library to parade with our very own Pied Piper!