Gaelyn Gordon

Originally a teacher of English and drama, Gaelyn Gordon (1939–1997) produced 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 death from illness in 1997 was a great loss to New Zealand children's literature. The Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award for a Much-Loved Book was established in 1999 to honour her memory and contribution to children's literature.

Selected bibliography:

• Stonelight (Reed Methuen 1988).
• Tales from Another Now (Heinemann Reed 1989).
• Several Things are Alive and Well and Living in Alfred Brown's Head (Hodder & Stoughton 1990).
• Prudence M. Muggeridge, Damp Rat (Collins 1991; published in Australia as Damp Rat by Angus & Robertson 1991.
• Mindfire (Collins 1991).
• Tripswitch (HarperCollins 1992).
• Duckat illustrated by Chris Gaskin (Ashton Scholastic 1992).
• Fuss Finds Out illustrated by Clare Bowes [Tui Turbo] (HarperCollins & Angus Robertson 1993).
• Why Some Things Happen in Our Town illustrated by Clare Bowes [Tui Turbo] (HarperCollins 1993).  
• Take Me to Your Leaders (HarperCollins 1993).
• Walter and the Too-big Dog illustrated by Clare Bowes [Tui Turbo] (HarperCollins 1994).
• Fuss the Collector illustrated by Clare Bowes [Tui Turbo] (HarperCollins 1994).
• Fuss the Farm Dog illustrated by Clare Bowes [Tui Turbo] (HarperCollins 1994).  
• David and the Monster from Outer Space illustrated by Clare Bowes [Tui Turbo] (HarperCollins 1994).  
• Robert's Robot illustrated by John Tarlton [Tui Turbo] (HarperCollins 1994).
• Fortunate Flats illustrated by John Tarlton (Reed 1995).  
• The Other-worlds of Andrew Griffin (HarperCollins 1995).
• River Song (HarperCollins 1995).
• Fuss and Friend illustrated by Clare Bowes [Tui Turbo] (HarperCollins 1995).
• Magginty illustrated by John Tarlton [Tui Junior] (HarperCollins 1996).
• Marj's Story: A Novel Based on the Top-rating Television Series, Shortland Street (Shortland Street Books 1996).
• The Life-sized Inflatable Whale illustrated by John Tarlton (Scholastic 1998).

Awards:

• Frank Sargeson Fellow 1992.
• Arts Council Scholarship in letters 1993.
• New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards 1999 Picture Book shortlist for The Life-sized Inflatable Whale.
• New Zealand Post Children’s Choice 1999 Picture Book shortlist for The Life-sized Inflatable Whale.