The Word Witch (available from the Gallery for $45.00) beautifully illustrated by Ashburton born author and illustrator David Elliot has been nominated as a Finalist in the Picture Book section of the New Zealand Post Book Awards.

Mrs Tisdall, a children’s literature consultant, is joined on the judging panel by writer and reviewer Trevor Agnew, and former journalist, now children’s bookshop co-owner, Ruth McIntyre. Together they will decide which book will take the New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year prize and will choose winners from across the four categories: Picture Book, Non-fiction, Junior Fiction and Young Adult Fiction. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 19 May.

PICTURE BOOK FINALIST: The Word Witch Margaret Mahy, David Elliot, edited by Tessa Duder, Harper Collins Publishers. The Word Witch can lasso with a limerick, haunt with a haiku and wrap you tight in a rhyme as quick as lightning. Her cauldron is a dictionary, her wand a mighty pen, and she stirs her words at midnight, making tempting treats for children. Her name is Margaret Mahy and these are her spells.