The Library and Information Association of New Zealand held its annual children's book awards evening this week - recognising excellence in locally produced books for children and young adults.
This year's event was held at the National Library in Wellington.
Pamela Jones, the convenor of the awards says trying to find a winner or even decide on the five finalists is very difficult. "While some books are stand-outs, we spent a lot of time debating back and forth on 5-6 books that were really good, too."
The honours for 2015 went to:
Russell Clark illustration award winner: Mrs Mo's Monster by Paul Beavis - Gecko Press
Elsie Locke award winner: Maori Art for Kids by Julie Noanoa and Norm Heke - Potton and Burton Publishing
Te Kura Pounamu award winner: Kimihia by Te Mihinga Komene and Scott Pearson - Huia Publishers
Librarian's Choice award winner: I am Rebecca by Fleur Beale - Penguin Random House
LIANZA YA Fiction award winner: Night Vision by Ella West - Allen and Unwin
Esther Glen Junior Fiction award winner: Conrad Cooper's Last Stand by Leonie Agnew - Penguin