Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand | Te Whare Waituhi Tamariki o Aotearoa
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Ben Brown

Ben Brown (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Koroki, Ngāti Paoa) was born 1962 in Motueka, which is further away from him now than he cares to think about. He has been writing all his life for his own enjoyment and published his first children’s book in 1991. He is an award winning author who writes for children and adults across all genres, including poetry, which he also enjoys performing. Generally, if pressed, he will have something to say about anything. In May 2021 he was made the inaugural NZ Reading Ambassador for Children – Te Awhi Rito. He is also a father of two, which he considers his best work to date. He lives in Lyttelton above a pie shop across the road from the sea.

Ben and illustrator Helen  Taylor produced a number of picture books focused on native New Zealand birds and wildlife. A Booming in the Night won the New Zealand Post Picture Book Award in 2005.

Ben-Brown-credit_Sophie Taylor-Brown

Selected bibliography:

  • The Thief of Colours, illustrated by Helen Taylor (Reed 2003).
  • Eel Dreaming, illustrated by Helen Taylor (Reed 2004).
  • Fifty-five Feathers, illustrated by Helen Taylor (Reed 2004).
  • Natural New Zealand A B C, illustrated by Helen Taylor (Reed 2004).
  • A Booming in the Night, illustrated by Helen Taylor (Reed 2005).
  • The Penguin Who Wanted to Fly, illustrated by Helen Taylor (Reed 2006).
  • The Apple, illustrated by Tracy Duncan (Puffin 2008).
  • On the Road to Tuapeka, illustrated by Scott Tulloch (Scholastic 2011).
  • The Great Orlando, illustrated by Helen Taylor (Scholastic 2012).
  • The Song of the Shiprat, illustrated by Helen Taylor (Scholastic 2013).

Awards:

  • New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards 2006 Picture Book Winner for A Booming in the Night
  • Storylines Notable Book Awards 2006 Picture Books List for A Booming in the Night
  • Storylines Notable Book Awards 2009 Picture Books List for The Apple
  • Inaugural Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Children’s and Young Adult Reading Ambassador (2021)

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Storylines Trust Te Whare Waituhi Tamariki and Friends of Storylines Te Pou o Te Whare Waituhi Tamariki together form New Zealand’s only national organisation working year-round to promote New Zealand children’s and young adult literature through activities that include a major national Story Tour to schools, early childhood centres and communities, and awards for writers, illustrators and those who work in the area of New Zealand children’s literature

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