We, the non-fiction children’s books panel,  are in the middle of it, of the reading, of the re-reading, the thumbing backwards and forwards through each book, peering over the illustrations, admiring the design, frowning at the cover, delighting in the language, being engrossed in the story, learning about Aotearoa’s creatures, environments, history, sport, te reo Māori … Being a judge for book awards wins the trophy for pleasure and fun from being a judge for a criminal trial no doubt.  

This reading in a jury-like way is fascinating, an exercise and learning experience in considering details and gaps in the production, content and illustrations to finally ponder whether this book as a whole can vie for the title of notable book.

Our six-strong panel is diligently reading, commenting, discussing impressions and debating scores of 14 non-fiction books to this date. We are not there yet. A couple of lost and truanting ones are soon to be sent out to our ready eyes and hands for the last reading sprint. To be followed by a final judging discussion… 

Secretly I hoped to keep some (all!) of these treasures of books … alas, back to sender.