The PANZ 2015 Book Design Award Winners Announced!

Last night the PANZ 2015 Book Design Award winners were announced in a ceremony held in Ponsonby, with three NZ comics related books notching up a win!

I Am Doodle Cat designed by Lauren Marriott (also know as cartoonist Ralphi) for Beatnik Publishing won the Best Children’s Book Award. The judges noted they "appreciated its bright, engaging colour palette supported by hand-rendered text integrating beautifully with the playful illustrations".

The Curioseum: Collected Stories of the Odd & Marvellous won the Best Cover Award for designer/cartoonist Sarah Laing and Te Papa Press. “A great example of how a children’s book need not be childish,” said judge Cameron Gibb. “The Curioseum is the story version of a 'wunderkammer’, supported by delightful illustrations and the use of hand-rendered type for chapter headings, all making for an engaging and fun read.”

The graphic novel Meariki: The Quest for Truth, was judged Best Educational Book. Designed by Shannon Jahnel Lanktree and a collaboration by Huia Publishers and Ministry of Education, “Mearikiuses many devices well to create a visually engaging read: the illustrations are rich and intricate,” was Vincent’s enthusiastic comment. “Colour reinforces the sense of drama and the range of characters is imaginative – who doesn’t like spider-riding zombie witch queens?”

So a great result, and best wishes to the winners and to their continued success!

- AK!