Librarian award nomination exciting
Book illustration her first
Two locally- produced children’s books have been recognised for their illustrations in the LIANZA awards, which are voted on by librarians throughout New Zealand.
Fantail’s Quilt, illustrated by Titahi Bay’s Margaret Tolland and written by Pukerua Bay’s Gay Hay, is a nominee for the Russell Clark illustration award, alongside Marmaduke Duck and Bernadette Bear by Titahi Bay’s Juliette MacIver, which was illustrated by Sydney-based Kiwi Sarah Davis.
Ms Tolland, who works in public education for Pataka, said the award was a real recognition of her work.
‘‘Oh my gosh, it was so exciting. It’s really cool, we’re really chuffed because it’s the librarians having their say,’’ she said.
Ms Tolland studied painting at Otago Polytechnic and worked for many years as a high school art teacher. She met Ms Hay through an art class she runs at Pataka, and soon Ms Hay asked her to collaborate on what became Fantail’s Quilt.
‘‘I just went ‘sure, I’ll have a go’,’’ she says. ‘‘For both of us it was a huge learning curve.’’
The illustrations are a rich, detailed impression of New Zealand’s bush and bird life, created in pencil and gouache.
‘‘I love detail so this whole project was fantastic,’’ Ms Tolland says. ‘‘It was just a pleasure to do, I just enjoyed every moment of it.’’
The illustrations were the work of four months. Ms Tolland devoted four hours a day to the project.
Of the 2000 copies printed, 1500 have sold, many to women sending the books to their overseas-based grandchildren. Being nominated for a LIANZA should boost sales and te reo and e-book versions are planned.
Ms Tolland has planned two more books with Ms Hay, one about New Zealand’s giant native powelliphanta snail and the other about geckos.
Marmaduke Duck author Juliette MacIver paid tribute to her illustrator Sarah Davis, who she hopes will fly to Wellington for the LIANZA awards ceremony on August 6.