About Our Notable Books Lists

The list of Notable Books was established in 2000 to reflect the wide-ranging achievements of New Zealand authors and illustrators. It appears in February each year. 

Storylines Notable Books list allows for the inclusion of anthologies and works by New Zealand writers and illustrators published internationally.

Eligibility criteria
Entries are open to books first published in New Zealand between 1 January and 31 December each year.
Authors and illustrators must be New Zealanders by birth, naturalisation or immigration, who have been New Zealand residents for 2 years.
Books entered for the awards must be single, stand-alone entries and must contain at least 16 pages of text and/or illustration.
Textbooks, resource kits, and books supplied free to centres of learning are not eligible.
Books must be available for trade sales.
Reprints and reissues from previous years are not eligible unless they are new editions which contain substantial revision (adding significant new content and interpretation).
Anthologies of work by three or more authors are eligible.
Where a book with an attachment (e.g. CD) is submitted, the book will be considered the primary vehicle to be judged.
Books written or illustrated by a New Zealander, but with illustrations/text by an overseas illustrator/author will be considered for the creative input of the New Zealander.
The final decision on the eligibility of any submission rests with the Notable Books panel.