Library Assistant Sacha Cotter’s first book Keys/Ngā Kī was translated by Kawata Teepa (Ngāi Tuhoe, Te Arawa) and illustrated by Josh Morgan.
The English version of the book was also one of five finalists, selected from around 75 entries, in the Picture Book category.
Sacha says Keys/Ngā Kī is based on the earliest childhood memory of her Dad arriving home and his keys jangling in the door.
The book is about a father telling his daughter stories as he tucks her into bed.
The stories are about the keys on his key ring and the marvellous things they unlock, such as a treasure box in the jungle and a chocolate biscuit factory where he taste tests all the biscuits.
The NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults were held on Thursday 13 August at Government House in Wellington.