PANZ Award for Best Educational Book or Series – Primary 2026
Finalist
Designers: Alice Bell and Dave Gunson
Title: The Living Tree: A New Zealand Habitat
Publisher: Bateman Books
Format: 265 x 210 mm, 48pp + gatefold. Paperback, perfect bound, 4c x 4c on 160 gsm lucky bird woodfree with matt laminate.
Typography:
Cover: Title: Black Bones, size 210pt | Montserrat (medium), size 72pt.
Author Name: Montserrat (semibold), size 22pt.
Back cover copy: Montserrat (regular), size 12.5pt, leading 17pt.
Internals: Body copy: Montserrat (regular), size 9pt, leading 13pt,
Heading 1: Montserrat (semibold), size 17.5pt
Heading 2: Montserrat (semibold), size 15.5pt
Publisher’s Brief:
“The Living Tree highlights the wildlife and habitat around and supported by a tree. This book’s contents are divided into a typical tree’s three main sections — the roots and ground, the trunk, and the branches and leaves. The design should reflect this in its structure while still being clear and easy to follow.”
Judges’ Comments:
“This book is a lovely resource for young learners. A thoughtful colour system provides clear navigation between sections, creating structure within a content-heavy book. The adaptable grid allows for flexibility and movement across pages, while the illustrations breaking through the framework introduce an organic quality that reflects the natural subject matter. The balance between structure and spontaneity creates a cohesive and engaging design.”
