Claire Mabey wins 2026 Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award

Congratulations to our amazing client Claire Mabey who has been awarded the 2026 Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award! Hooray Claire!

The Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award is intended for authors who have established their identity in the field of children’s literature, showcasing richness, range, and depth in their work. Eligible recipients should have published two or three books, whether they are picture books, junior novels, or young adult novels, and should exemplify the strength and quality of children’s literature in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Panel Statement: ”Claire Mabey is a resplendent flare in Aotearoa children’s fiction. Her work bristles with the qualities of great children’s literature: spirited storytelling, imaginative invention, characters who speak to childhood yearnings and ideals. Her writing is rich and musical; she writes up to her readers, respecting their capacity. In the tradition of enduring fantasy, she explores with subtlety real word questions – greed and the misuse of authority – and the power of dedicated resistance. Above all, at every level, Claire’s work demonstrates the deep history of her own reading, and her fierce belief in the radical sustenance of story and language.”

Claire said: “This award means everything to me! I am absolutely floored by it and so deeply grateful. To have the support of Dame Lynley Dodd, one of the world's greatest writers, is a Hercules Morse-sized boost in confidence. I have so many ideas in my head and in notebooks and now, thanks to this generosity, I can take a sabbatical and work on them, full time. This kind of support is huge for artists – life-changing. I am tremendously thankful and will not waste a moment!"