Scholastic New Zealand Award
for Best Children’s Book 2026
Finalist
Designer: Chloē Reweti Design
Illustrator: Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
Creative Direction: Qiane Matata-Sipu
Title: My First Ikura
Publisher: QIANE+co
Format: 260 x 200 mm, 32pp, PUR Perfect bound.
The book’s illustrations use kōkōwai (earth pigment) to strengthen and deepen the connection between the story and Māori worldview is reflects. To support this, the physical design has carefully chosen matte paper stock and a tactile case finish to evoke the textures and tones of whenua. Combined, these reinforce the earthy visual language ensuring the book feels gounded, authentic and connected to the kaupapa that underpins it.
Typography: Antipasto Pro, size: 18pt, leading: 22pt
The typeface was selected for its clarity and readability, making it accessible for young readers. Where possible, the typography adopts organic forms that respond to and complement the illustrations, creating a more engaging and cohesive reading experience.
Publisher’s Brief
“The design brief for My First Ikura was grounded in whakapapa, whenua and te ao Māori. There was a desire to create a visual world that felt distinctly Indigenous, deeply connected to place, while also being reflective of the world we live in today. The illustrations were to draw on the colours, textures and forms of the natural environment, while reinforcing the interconnected relationships between whānau, between generations, and between worlds. The brief was for the overall design to feel soft and inclusive.”
