Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand, Little Moa, and the Margaret Mahy Estate are thrilled to announce Scarlett Robinson-Kean as the winner of the 2026 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize for her reimagining of the bewitching classic Aunt Nasty.
The judges praised Scarlett’s fearless approach in experimenting with original layouts and characterisation, as well as “the consideration of humour and attention to detail to make every character in the story unique — especially Aunt Nasty.”
“Scarlett’s interpretation of Aunt Nasty completely grabbed our attention. There were original attributes in her costume and an array of attitudes that made her feel accessible for a young audience. The storyboard was clearly and cleverly constructed, filled with action and drama.
Little Moa Children’s Publisher, Alison Shucksmith applauded Robinson-Kean's strong and engaging visual storytelling "Her creative use of point-of-view angles and a brilliant use of colour set her work apart. We felt very confident in Scarlett ‘knowing’ and understanding her Aunt Nasty. We can’t wait to see her on shelves.”
Hachette Aotearoa NZ Managing Director Mel Winder says “Aunt Nasty is one of my favourite aunties; who doesn’t have their very own Aunt Nasty! The opportunity to reimagine this classic story is incredibly exciting, and I look forward to seeing Scarlett Robinson-Kean’s interpretation of this much-loved classic.”
About Scarlett
Scarlett is a freelance writer and illustrator based in Tāmaki Makaurau. In 2025 she completed her Master of Creative Practice at Unitec, receiving first-class honours for her research titled Wilding: The role of the bizarre in illustrated narratives. Her accompanying graphic novel, To seed, to sprout, to seed, a strange and twisting story about a girl with a plant growing in her chest, received a Bronze Pin at the 2025 Best Design Awards. In 2026 she received the Springboard Award for Illustration from The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, under the mentorship of 2023 Laureate Giselle Clarkson.
Drawing on the wild and curious imaginations of tamariki, Scarlett’s practice seeks to capture a bit of that childish joy through illustration and storytelling. She is passionate about community, and believes in the accessibility of illustration – a deceptively simple craft with communication at its core.
Scarlett wins a $2000 cash prize, $500 worth of Hachette books, and the opportunity to develop her submission into a published work.
About the Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize
Launched in 2019, the Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize is one of New Zealand’s leading illustration awards, attracting over two thousand registrations with all winners going on to illustrate Margaret Mahy’s books. See our previous winners.
Latest news
Little Moa Submissions
Get all the information you need about Little Moa submissions
Our authors at Queenstown Writers Festival
Check out our authors at Queenstown Writers Festival 2026
Winner of 2026 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize announced
“Surprising, delightful, and completely refreshing” – announcing the winner of 2026 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize
Our authors at Nelson Arts Festival
We’re so excited to share our authors’ events at Nelson Arts Festival 2026!
Hachette Readers' Society
Introducing our NZ content creator community: the Hachette Readers' Society
Hachette Readers’ Society: Content Creator Community | FAQs
Some frequently asked questions about the Hachette Readers’ Society: Content Creator Community
Little Moa announces the 2026 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize Shortlist
Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand, Little Moa, and the Margaret Mahy Estate are delighted to announce the three shortlisted illustrators for the 2026 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize.
Our authors at Hawke’s Bay Readers & Writers Festival
Be inspired by our authors’ events at Hawke’s Bay Readers & Writers Festival 2026!
Our authors at Tauranga Arts Festival
Check out our authors' events at Tauranga Arts Festival 2026!
Our authors at Verb Wellington
Check out our authors' events at Verb Wellington Festival 2026
REVIEW A BOOK AND BE IN TO WIN: Your share of $1000 worth of books! (Now Closed)
Send us a review of a book you love and go in the draw to win a year's supply of books from Little Moa.
Jon Toogood's NZ Book Tour
Check out the details of Jon's book tour.
Our authors at WORD Christchurch
Check out our authors' events at WORD Christchurch
Preorder Home Again and receive a signed guitar pick! (Now Closed)
Preorder rock legend Jon Toogood's Home Again and receive a signed guitar pick!
Teacher's Notes: The Lost Words and Whenua
Teacher's notes for The Lost Words by Kim Kearney and Whenua by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White are available now.
Hamilton Book Month 2026
Check out our authors at Hamilton Book Month 2026.
Home Again by Jon Toogood
Join rock-legend, former Shihad frontman and lead singer of The Adults, Jon Toogood in this unflinching and no-holds-barred memoir Home Again out 25th August 2026.
Alice Oseman is coming to ANZ!
Information on Alice Oseman's - author of Heartstopper - trip to Australia and New Zealand.
The Comeback Kid Teacher's Notes
Read an Extract: Fast & Fastidious
The Fast and the Furious meets Pride and Prejudice in this delightfully fun regency romp from debut New Zealand author R.M. Caldwell.
Pātea Boys Teacher's Notes
Download discussion questions for Pātea Boys/Ngāti Pātea in English and te reo Māori
Read an Extract: All That We Know
A modern take on family and friendship and how, even in a divided world, love and connection can triumph against all odds.
Welcome to Dragonfall
Revolution awaits.
Welcome to the World of Donovan Bixley
Entertain the kids at home
Find a book you'll love, get our newsletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
© Hachette Aotearoa | New Zealand, All Rights Reserved · Site by Chook