Children's Book Awards

The Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award
The Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award was established in 2024 thanks to the huge act of generosity from Aotearoa New Zealand’s literary great, Dame Lynley Dodd DNZM, who has committed to backing this award for the future with a long-term gift. This gift was inspired by a pivotal moment in Lynley’s career when a financial gift transformed her path, enabling her to continue writing, and ultimately becoming a celebrated writer and illustrator. The Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award supports authors who have established their identity in the field of children’s literature, showcasing richness, range, and depth in their work, and encourages them to continue their work. Eligible recipients should have published two or three books, whether they are picture books, junior novels, or young adult novels, and should exemplify the strength and quality of children’s literature in Aotearoa New Zealand. This award will be presented every two years, it complements the off-year of the Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award.

The Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award
Mallinson Rendel was a publishing company specialising in illustrated children’s books. The $10,000 award was established in 2010 to recognise the painterly skills, imagination and artistry in picture books, and was presented every two years to a children’s illustrator. Now, due to the continuing generosity of our founding donor, and a new donor, this award is now gifted with $30,000 every two years.