Storylines NZ awards Else Margaret Mahy Medal, releases 2016 Notable Books List

The Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand has awarded Barbara Else the 2016 Margaret Mahy Medal, presented annually for ‘lifetime achievement and an outstanding contribution to New Zealand children’s literature and literacy’.

Else, who is based in Wellington, has written six novels for adults and four for children, including the NZ Post Children’s Book Award-winning The Travelling Restaurant (Gecko Press). She has also edited nine anthologies for young readers and teenagers, and runs an advisory service for writers.

‘Barbara Else’s early achievements were in adult fiction … but since her first novel for children in 1997 she has built up a solid body of work,’ said Storylines chair Libby Limbrick. ‘As a leading literary agent and assessor with her husband Chris Else since 1988, she has also guided many aspiring children’s writers towards literary careers. Her work for children’s literature also includes plays, short stories and judging of national book and short story awards.’

Else will receive the medal and give a public lecture at the Storylines’ National Award Day, to be held at the University of Auckland on 3 April.

Storylines has also released its 2016 Notable Books List for children’s and young adult books published in 2015. To view the list, click here.

Storylines promotes the development of children’s and young adult literature in New Zealand and has operated as New Zealand’s national section of International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) since 2001. For more information about the organisation and the awards, click here.

Category: Junior Local news