It's not Just about the Words

It’s also about the way the words are packaged and presented that make the whole book reading experience such a pleasure (can you tell I am passionate about books?). In recognition of this, the BPANZ (Book Publisher’s Association of New Zealand) Book Design Awards 2008 shortlist was announced on Wednesday 21st May, to help promote excellence in and provide recognition for the best book design in New Zealand. With subjects ranging from recycling to organic farming, Bill Hammond's art to Cook Islands tivaevae quilting, the list represents the best in book design for books released in 2007. The judges had a tough time narrowing the field to just twelve titles, They were looking for "the complete package: the book whose insides matched their outside for the thought and care that had gone into them, striving for something a little bit different, or a little bit better".

The competition is judged in four categories, including Non-Illustrated, Illustrated, Educational and Children's books, with the winners being announced at the Booksellers New Zealand Industry Awards Dinner on 20 July. There are also highly-coveted Best Cover and Best Book winners chosen from within the shortlist.

BPANZ Book Design Awards 2008 SHORTLIST
Non-Illustrated Book
The Wild Green Yonder by Graeme Leather/ Dexter Fry. Philippa Jamieson (New Holland Publishers NZ)
Dear To Me by Aland Deare. Amnesty International (Random House)
A Perfect World by Catherine Griffiths. David Cohen (Random House)

Illustrated Book
Aberhart by Sarah Maxey. Laurence Aberhart (Victoria University Press)
New Zealand's Wilderness Heritage by Robbie Burton. Les Molloy (Craig Potton Publishing)
Bill Hammond: Jingle Jangle Morning by Aaron Beehre. Jennifer Hay et al (Christchurch Art Gallery)

Educational Book
What is a Bird? by Vasanti Unka. Feana Tu'Akoi (Scholastic NZ)
Astronomy Aotearoa by Marie Low. Robert Shaw (Pearson Education NZ)
Rubbish Ruby byAnne Fenning. Rachael Goddard (Raupo Publishing)

Children's Book
The King's Bubbles by Ruth Paul & Mary McIntyre. Ruth Paul (Scholastic NZ)
Willy's Dad by Murray Dewhurst & Scott Tulloch. Scott Tulloch (HarperCollins Publishers NZ)
The Bean's Story by Vasanti Unka. Tatiana Aslund (Scholastic NZ)

(information sourced from Booksellers Brief)