(NZPA)- - Award-winning novelist Elizabeth Knox's first foray into fiction for young adults yesterday took out New Zealand's oldest book prize.

The winning authors and illustrator of the children's book awards competition were announced in a ceremony in Wellington.

The Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa Children's Book Awards 2006 celebrate excellence in literature, illustration and non-fiction, said awards co-ordinator Amy Stubbs.

The country's oldest book prize, the Esther Glen Award, went to Elizabeth Knox for Dreamhunter, her first novel for young adults.

Ms Stubbs said the award, established in 1945, is given to the author considered to have made the most distinguished contribution to literature for children.

The judges said Knox's book was "brilliantly original and convincing".

They described Christchurch author and illustrator Gavin Bishop's book Kiwi Moon as a future folktale classic, Ms Stubbs said.

Bishop won the Russell Clark Award, first bestowed in 1975, which celebrates a distinguished contribution to illustrated children's books.

Bishop wrote and illustrated Kiwi Moon.

Wellington author Kevin Boon was recognised for his contribution to non-fiction for young people.

Boon was awarded the Elsie Locke Award for his series Developments in New Zealand History.

Ms Stubbs said the judges described the series as "an enormously impressive achievement".

Three librarians with more than 50 years' experience between them judged the competition.

Each winner received a medal and a cheque for $100