Scholastic New Zealand Award
for Best Children’s Book 2026
Finalist
Designer: Te Kani Price, Tahlia Conrad-Hinga, Sophie Hooper
Title: A Guide to Rocks | He Taonga te Toka
Publisher: Huia Publishers
Format: 270 x 240mm, 44pp, paperback with large spot UV on front cover
Typography: Cover: Adaptation of two weights of Mangrove Sans
Interior: Sofia Pro soft medium, size: 11.5, leading: 16.5
Interior accent: Tomarik Extrovert, size: 11.5, leading: 16.5
Bespoke typographic treatments in image and on cover pairing of both Josh Morgan and HUIA designers.
Publisher’s Brief:
“Deliver a complete design that builds upon the Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan brand and elevate it for a slightly older reader. The design needs to tell the story arc of the fallibility of parents and the intimacy and separation of a redemption plot in an exuberant way.
The book needs a local and international appeal and have a shelf life beyond the current spotlight on wellbeing. Find a way to straddle textural notes with the blokey, spoof-like charm whilst still preserving the emotional gut punch in the story.”
Judges’ Comments:
“Bold, stand-out cover and beautiful illustrations that communicate a big topic without being overwhelming. We love that there are two language versions so you could buy either one, or both. The illustrations capture a distinctly New Zealand sense of place, creating characters and scenes that feel relatable to local readers without relying on familiar Kiwiana tropes. Varied, playful compositions keep each spread engaging, with the layout responding naturally to the story rather than following a rigid formula. The expressive illustrative style also brings the book’s metaphorical themes to life with warmth, clarity, and imagination.”
