See the Penguin Random House NZ books shortlisted for the 2026 NZ Booklovers Awards
We are pleased to announce that we have 9 shortlisted titles in the 2026 New Zealand Booklovers Awards.
1985 by Dominic Hoey is shortlisted for Best Adult Novel.
Ara by Dr Hinemoa Elder and Eat Wild by Sophie Merkens are shortlisted for Best Lifestyle Books.
Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town by Li Chen and Dreamslinger by Graci Kim are shortlisted for Best Junior Fiction Books.
Anahera by Ruth Paul, Granny McFlitter Stitches Up a Storm by Heather Haylock and Lael Chisholm, Mum's Busy Work by Jacinda Ardern and Ruby Jones, and Taniwha by Gavin Bishop are all shortlisted for Best Childrens' Fiction.
See what the judges had to say about each book below.
For more information and the full shortlist, visit the NZ Booklovers website.
1985 Dominic Hoey
A multi-layered, stunningly vivid portrait of a poor neighbourhood in Auckland in 1985, grounded in shocking elements of the era – the Rainbow Warrior bombing, the Centrepoint commune – and in the evocation of a working-class family struggling to survive in pre-gentrification Grey Lynn. As the central character Obi says, this is the story of his childhood, and it sprawls outward to enliven all the flawed and self-sabotaging figures around him, from his drunken poet dad to his stoic, terminally ill mum, his teenage sister Summer and best friend Al, and the various criminal, shady, and mad characters who come in and out of the action. This is compelling storytelling, with fascinating themes and a strong and authentic narrative voice.
Ara Dr Hinemoa Elder
In this reassuring guide, psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder shares wisdom based on both traditional Māori knowledge and her experiences as a mother, daughter, doctor, and whānau member. The book is centred on Hinengaro – the “Māori goddess of the mind” –and her 23 rua (caves). Elder takes us on a journey through each rua, exploring what we can learn and the possibilities that may emerge. She creates space for deep self-reflection by introducing whakatauākī, stories, and open-ended questions. We are encouraged to focus on our spiritual lives, identify our unique strengths, and rediscover what fascinates us and brings us joy. The guide is a thoughtful and thought-provoking resource, especially during times of uncertainty or loss, or when our energy needs recharging.
Eat Wild Sophie Merkens
In this fascinating “foraging journey across Aotearoa”, Sophie Merkens writes about her wild-food road trip from north to south and season to season. Alongside engaging photos are recipes, stories of hearty meals shared with friends, insights into Māori connections with the whenua, and information about plant-based healing practices. To forage well, suggests Merkens, you need “curiosity, caution, respect and a sense of adventure”. She encourages reflection on our responsibilities to the land and to the people who cultivate it. Other practical, ethical, cultural and environmental considerations are also outlined. Recipes based on foraged food include appetisers, meat, fish, vegetable dishes, drinks, dressings, and sweet treats – with tips on how, where and when to find essential ingredients. An excellent guide for Aotearoa-based foragers, especially those seeking a deeper connection to our land.
Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town Li Chen
Detective Beans is back to solve all the mysteries that you need solved, even the ones you don't. He's that good. Whether it’s who ate Mum’s doughnuts, who has lost their handbag in the park, which pigeon stole King Chip, or even a burgled diamond ring, the adorable kitty Beans is ready for anything. The second in author and illustrator Li Chen's Detective Beans series, this cute cat detective will steal his way into readers' hearts. Adventures in Cat Town is a series of short graphic stories, making it a super effective and great format for younger readers making the move to read independently. Detective Beans is the purrfect package - bright, bubbly, fun and funny.
Dreamslinger: Slinger Series Book 1 Graci Kim
Teenager Aria Loveridge lives at a safe haven for children born with a genetic mutation that transports them to a powerfully magical realm while they sleep. When the Kingdom of Royal Hanguk announces the first trials where teenage slingers compete for a chance to learn how to use their powers, Aria knows she must compete. Dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul in this thrilling middle-grade fantasy series. Kim's vivid worldbuilding transports readers to an incredible place of wondrous magic and mystery. With strong themes of friendship, belonging and identity, this is a refreshing and original read for middle-grade readers.
Anahera Ruth Paul
There are a plethora of picture books about kiwi - our national treasure, the tenacious flightless bird we named ourselves after - and this one is a standout. It’s the true story of a marvellous matriarch who managed to produce more than 60 offspring during her 42 years in the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House breeding programme. Anahera’s prodigious output and ability to bond with new partners led her to spearhead the Capital Kiwi project, whose big, hairy, audacious goal is to create a new wild kiwi population in our capital city, Wellington. Ruth Paul’s illustrations are exquisite: beautifully rendered and clever compositions teeming with native flora that complement and flesh out the fascinating details of Anahera’s contribution to the conservation of her species.
Granny McFlitter Stitches Up a Storm Heather Haylock, Lael Chisholm
This is another lively and charmingly illustrated book about Granny McFlitter, who uses her champion knitting skills to create order and comfort when problems arrive. In the past, Granny has solved the difficulties of runaway bulls, shivery penguins, and bothersome bees, but this time she brings her knitting prowess to the campsite where she is holidaying, which is hit by a chaotic storm. Guzzle the Goat, who previously had wickedly eaten her knitting, is now forgiven and called on to help by providing strong materials for Granny’s special project. The illustrations are bold and colourful, the narrative, told through spirited rhymes, filled with interest and humour and Granny herself, a bright, brave, and sprightly hero.
Mum's Busy Work Jacinda Ardern, Ruby Jones
While being written by former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, the story is primarily about being the child of a very busy working mother. Ardern’s position is not the main issue; the daughter has so little awareness of what Mum’s work involves that, since there’s chocolate in the desk in her mum’s office, she supposes her mum goes to work to eatchocolate. The story is told from the child’s perspective as mum, dad, and daughter navigate the joys, adventures, and difficulties of a week. I loved the honesty of the story; the daughter stomps her frustration when she must go to childcare on one of the days, but the stomping turns into dancing and laughter as her mum stomps with her. The book is imbued with warmth and tenderness, and the illustrations beautifully capture the moods and moments of the days.
Taniwha Gavin Bishop
Many of us recall the waiata we sang at primary school about a taniwha who whispered in our taringa, our ear, inviting us to bathe with him in the moana… but while some of these supernatural creatures are, like the taniwha of the song, benevolent benefactors guiding and protecting people, others are somewhat more nefarious, such as Hotupuku, a cave-dweller who terrorised and tucked into travellers between Rotorua and Taupō. Gavin Bishop’s latest tome, which tells tales of taniwha from all over Aotearoa, is a taonga to be savoured and shared: from the lush pink and turquoise hues of the hard cover - upon which a jagged-toothed taniwha is depicted swallowing a waka whole, its occupants sliding into the sea to escape - to the sweeping landscape pages that invite careful plucking and much poring over. Another must-have from a superbly talented author-illustrator at the peak of his powers.
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