Nikki Slade Robinson facts for kids

Nikki Slade Robinson was born in 1968. She is a talented writer and artist from New Zealand. She creates wonderful picture books for children. Many of her books have won awards or been nominated for them. For example, her book The Little Kiwi’s Matariki won a top award in 2016. It was named Best Picture Book at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

About Nikki Slade Robinson

Nikki Slade Robinson was born in a town called Te Puke in 1968. From a very young age, she loved to draw and read. She always dreamed of making children's books when she grew up.

She went to Woodlands School and Ōpōtiki College. Later, she studied Visual Communications Design at Wellington Polytechnic. This helped her learn how to create amazing illustrations. Her career began by doing freelance work and showing her art to publishers. She illustrated her first book when she was just 21 years old.

Her Work and Passions

Nikki not only writes and illustrates her own books, but she also draws pictures for other authors. She has worked on many educational books. Some of these are in the Māori language for schools called kura kaupapa Māori and early learning centers called kōhanga reo.

Nikki cares a lot about the environment. Many of her books share messages about protecting nature and wildlife. She is an environmentalist, which means she works to keep our planet healthy.

Nikki Slade Robinson has two daughters. She lives near the town of Ōpōtiki in New Zealand.

Awards and Special Mentions

Nikki Slade Robinson's books have won many awards. They have also been chosen as finalists for important book prizes.

The Little Kiwi’s Matariki won the Best Picture Book award in 2016. This was at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

She has also received special recognition from the Storylines Notable Book Awards. Her books that received this honor include:

• The Seven Stars of Matariki/Te Huihui o Matariki (2009)
• Muddle & Mo (2016)
• Witch's Cat Wanted: Apply Within (2017)
• Muddle and Mo’s Rainy Day (2019)

Other awards she has received are:

• LIANZA Te Kura Pounamu Medal Winner for The Puriri Tree/Te Puriri (2001)
• Sir Julius Vogel Finalist for Professional Illustration for The Seven Stars of Matariki/Te Huihui o Matariki (2009)
• Pride in Print: Highly Commended Professional Design for In Love with Moko (2012)
• New Zealand Children's Art House Foundation award for Artist Most Supporting Children (2017)