Joy Cowley Award

Established in 2002, the Storylines Joy Cowley Award recognises the exceptional contribution Joy Cowley makes to both children’s literature and literacy in New Zealand and internationally. The aim of the award is to foster the publication of excellent picture books by writers permanently resident in New Zealand.

The award is open to both published and new writers.

Scholastic New Zealand is the sponsor and Storylines administers the award. The award is made annually, when merited, and includes editorial direction by Joy Cowley. There is a monetary prize of $1500 with an offer of publication by Scholastic New Zealand Limited.

Manuscripts, with accompanying form and fee payment, must be postmarked no later than 31 October each year. The manuscript, of no more than 1000 words, must be for a picture book, either a ‘traditional’ picture book for children zero to seven years, or a sophisticated picture book for children eight to 13 years.

The award winner is announced in March and the published book launched the following year.

Congratulations to Lucy Davey - the 2010 winner!

Entry forms and guidelines:

• Storylines Joy Cowley Award guidelines
• Storylines Joy Cowley Award entry form

Recipients of the Storylines Joy Cowley Award are:

2003: Julie Leibrich; manuscript published as The Biggest Number in the Universe.

2004: Jean Prior; manuscript published as The Waka.

2005: Kyle Mewburn; manuscript published as Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck!

2006: Moira Wairama; manuscript published as The Puppet Box.

2007: No award.

2008: Michelle Osment; manuscript published as Tiny Miss Dott and Her Dotty Umbrella.

2009: June Peka; book to be launched August 2010.

2010: Lucy Davey.