Gaelyn Gordon Award

The Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award was established in 1999 to honour the memory and contribution to children’s literature of the late Gaelyn Gordon.

Originally a teacher of English and drama, Gaelyn published her first children’s book, Tales from Another Now, in 1989. She went on to produce numerous books for children of all ages, books that often combined myth, fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary issues. Her picture book Duckat (1991) is a favourite with New Zealand children. Gaelyn was a versatile writer and performer. She wrote several books for adults, and was a member of the literary performing group Metaphor. Her early death from cancer in 1997 was a great loss to New Zealand children’s literature.

The award is made annually for a work of fiction seen by Storylines as one which has stood the test of time and which is generally recognised as a successful, enduring children’s book. It is for a book by a living author; it must be still in print and have been in print for at least five years. Or, if the book has been reissued after a period of time out of print, then available for at least two years. The book must not have won a major New Zealand award but it may have been shortlisted, and it may have won an award overseas. A panel appointed by Storylines selects the award recipient.

Storylines thanks Gaelyn’s publishers HarperCollins, Scholastic and David Ling Publishing for their help in setting up this award.

Congratulations to our 2011 winner: Tangaroa's Gift by Mere Whaanga.

Recipients of the Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award are:

1999: The Runaway Settlers by Elsie Locke.

2000: Grandpa’s Slippers by Joy Watson and Wendy Hodder.

2001: Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen.

2002: See Ya, Simon by David Hill.

2003: The Little Yellow Digger by Betty and Alan Gilderdale.

2004: Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee.

2005: Night Race to Kawau by Tessa Duder.

2006: The Nickle Nackle Tree by Lynley Dodd.

2007: Slide the Corner by Fleur Beale.

2008: My Brown Bear Barney by Dorothy Butler and Elizabeth Fuller.

2009: I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale.

2010: The Wednesday Wizard by Sherryl Jordan.

2011: Tangaroa's Gift by Mere Whaanga-Schollum.