May 30, 2026
Lily Lake Pavilion, Saint John

Reception:
6 pm
with music by Joseph Albert

Awards presentation:
7 pm
Hosted by Julia Wright
Keynote address by James Mullinger
Book Table: The Write Cup
Trophies by Glass Roots Inc.

Order of Ceremony

1. Reception and Silent Auction

2. Music by Joseph Albert

3. Welcoming Remarks by our Host, Julia Wright

4. Thank you to our sponsors by WFNB President, Don Bourque

5. The Alice Kitts Award for Excellence in Picture Book Writing

6. The Books for Youth and Young Adult Award

7. The Fiddlehead Poetry Book Prize

8. The Legacy Award, honouring Nancy Bauer

9. BREAK

Bookselling by The Write Cup, silent auction, cake by Mrs. Dunster’s pastry team

10. Keynote address by guest speaker, James Mullinger

11. The WFNB Nonfiction Award

12. The Mrs. Dunster’s Award for Fiction

13. Closing

Our Special Guests

Julia Wright, Host Writer, Journalist

James Mullinger, Keynote Comedian, author, journalist, publisher

Joseph Albert, music, piano and guitar

Sarah Butland, Alice Kitts Award, Freelance writer & author

Lesley Choyce, Books for Youth, Author, publisher

Carolyne Van Der Meer, Nonfiction Author, journalist, Public Relations expert

Hollay Ghadery, Poetry Author, poet

Mark Leslie Lefebvre, Fiction Author, publishing industry expert

Categories & Shortlisted Authors

Alice Kitts Award for Excellence in Picture Book Writing
Sponsor: The Kitts Family

Books for Youth and Young Adult Award
Sponsor: J.D. Irving Ltd

The Fiddlehead Poetry Book Prize
Sponsor: The Fiddlehead

The Legacy Award honours Nancy Bauer
Sponsor: Mrs. Dunster’s Bakery

This legacy award honours individuals whose lifelong dedication have left a lasting impact on the writing community in New Brunswick. It recognizes those whose vision, leadership, and commitment have significantly enhanced the landscape of the written word—whether by crafting compelling narratives, expanding access to stories, nurturing emerging voices, or fostering spaces where words can thrive. Through their sustained efforts, these honorees will have inspired generations and helped shape a more connected, vibrant, and enduring community of storytellers and story seekers.

WFNB Nonfiction Award
Sponsor: The Brennan Family

The Mrs. Dunster’s Award for Fiction
Sponsor: Mrs. Dunster’s Bakery

Why Sponsor Us?

For more than 40 years, the WFNB has been the only English professional writers organization in the province. We are a warm and welcoming place to connect, learn valuable skills and meet higher profile authors. We became a registered charity in 2026. The NB Book Awards is entering its 12th season.

New Brunswick is home to many world class writers and WFNB is the organization devoted to ensuring New Brunswick represents on the world literary stage. But we need you. Support the future of literacy and literature in our province. Donate now!

WFNB members have risen to the Canadian senate, and have been awarded honorary degrees. They have won or been shortlisted for the Giller Prize, the Governor General’s Prize, the Impac Dublin Literary Award, and the Commonwealth Book Prize. They have been honoured with the Lt. Governor’s Award for High Achievements in the Literary Arts. They have been awarded or shortlisted for a host of regional awards, including the Percy Janes First Novel Award, the Ann Connor Brimer, not to mention our own NB Book Awards. They’ve enjoyed regional and national news coverage, and appeared in a wide variety of publications, like the Globe and Mail, the National Post, the Sunday Times, GQ Magazine UK, The Huffington Post, The Guardian and the Montreal Times.

Support New Brunswick literature and put your organization on the world stage as a place where learning, listening, literature and living wise means something.  Small Province, big words!

https://wfnb.ca/Donate