Scholastic New Zealand Award
for Best Children’s Book 2023
Finalist
Designer: Sarah Laing
Title: Sylvia and the Birds: How The Bird Lady saved thousands of birds and how you can, too
Publisher: Massey University Press
Format: 270 x 190mm, 176pp, hardback with full gloss cover on uncoated stock.
Typography: Henriette, 12 point, 16 leading. A substantial part of this book is hand-lettered. Hand-lettered titles and comics by Sarah Laing
"This book by Johanna Emeney and Sarah was a case of a plane being built as it was being flown. As they went along they added more and more material and developed more and more ideas. As publisher, we were happy to let them do this and for it to be iterative and self-driven. The book is unique in that way and it is an amazing, layered outcome of many complex parts."
Judges’ comments A stunning biography that is handled with care - with an appeal to all age groups. Photographs integrated with the illustrations add a contemporary twist to the graphic novel format. An ode to the school journal format, with consistency and surprises. The handwritten text and headings are delightful and an instant recognition of the author's style. A consistency of the colours of nature fit the theme.
An inviting and engaging design that combines a range of formats from graphic novel, documentary prose, photographic illustrations, and activities. Fun, inviting, engaging, instructive, educational with a warm, approachable, narrative flow.
