Illustration student shortlisted for New Zealand Book Award

Thu 17 Jun 2021

MA Illustration student Amy Haarhoff is one of 28 finalists in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, chosen from a field of 166 entries. 

Amy has been shortlisted in the Best First Book category for her illustrations of The Midnight Adventures of Ruru and Kiwi, written by Clare Scott.

The book is a twist on the tale of the Owl and the Pussycat, drawing on a cast of nocturnal New Zealand creatures. 

25-year-old Amy, who lives in New Zealand and studies for her MA in Illustration online with Falmouth Flexible, won a competition by the book's publisher Penguin to be its illustrator. Amy did most of the drawings on her iPad and the book was published in early 2020. 

“The diversity of ideas in this year’s entries really stood out,” says the New Zealand Book Awards' convenor of judges Alan Dingley. “It’s clear that our authors truly credit kids and young people with having the emotional intelligence to deal with complex themes, issues and feelings.”

The New Zealand Book Awards acknowledge the best and the brightest in books for children and teens, as well as aiming to foster a love of reading among children and teenagers in New Zealand. 

A ceremony to announce the winners will take place in Wellington in August.

Congratulations on your shortlisting Amy and good luck in the final!

Interested in engaging and networking with fellow illustrators from around the world? Find out more about our innovative online MA in Illustration. You can study part-time and choose from three start dates per year:

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See more of Amy's stunning illustrations on her Instagram feed.

Featured image via New Zealand Book Award Trust.

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