PANZ Award for Best Educational Book or Series – Secondary/Tertiary 2026
Finalist
Designer: Cheryl Smith (Macarn Design)
Title: Walker Maths — Phase 4: Foundation, Walker Maths — Phase 4: Elevation (SERIES)
Publisher: Cengage Learning Australia Pty Limited
Format: 297 x 210 mm, 344pp (Foundation) & 312pp (Elevation), sewn paperback
Typography: Title: Soleil Bold, 71pt/65pt
Strand: Soleil Book, 40pt/39pt
A Head: Soleil Regular, 30pt/29pt
B Sub head: Soleil Regular, 20pt/25pt
C Head: Soleil Regular, 15pt/18pt
Body copy/bullet/box font: Basic Sans Light, 11.5pt/15pt
Handwritten answers: Uberhand Pro Book, 11.5pt/15pt
Publisher’s Brief:
“The publisher required these titles to align with the established WalkerMaths series, maintaining a cohesive visual identity while distinguishing them as larger, more comprehensive workbooks. Full-colour interiors were specified, enabling clear, intuitive navigation across mathematical strands without compromising a clean, student-friendly layout. Covers needed to be bold and instantly recognisable, featuring the phase prominently.
A simple yet striking graphic approach was used, incorporating a subtle tukutuku-inspired pattern derived from the WalkerMaths ‘XX’ motif to reference Aotearoa New Zealand provenance and resonate with school audiences.”
Judges’ Comments:
“Cleanly and clearly laid out workbook series, allowing for lots of space for the user while also presenting complex information in a simple way. There’s an effective use of colour to indicate different topics within the subject which makes it easy to find and refer back to. The subtle Māori-inspired triangular detail in the top corners provides a thoughtful nod to its New Zealand context without adding further visual complexity.”
