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This book, the third in a series, is a valuable record of Maori life in New Zealand.
Mihipeka Call of an Elder records simply and honestly the feelings and memories of Mihi Edwards and is a fascinating account of events in a life defined by being Maori in a Pakeha world. What is exceptional about the book is the detail of the telling: the reality of day to day living, the delight in personal connections and achievements, and the wonderful humanity of Mihi Edwards. In particular, this is the record of a journey to wisdom and personal fulfilment that begins with an awakening appreciation of the teaching of Mihi’s own kuia.
The book is a wonderful historical record from a Maori woman’s perspective. It describes the everyday slog, fears, hopes and achievements. Most importantly it presents the many karanga or calls of Mihi Edwards each poetically and most graciously defining both herself and her people.
This title was published in 2002 by Steele Roberts. Secondary readers are encouraged to read the three books in the series.
Review by Barbara
Published in 2007 by Reed publishers this little gem of a book is a must read for budding historians.
Based on extensive research but in no way inaccessible, Stafford genuinely manages to spark one’s curiosity for learning more about this complex Maori warrior and leader.
Because the book includes extensive notes, maps, photographs and links to further reading on the period it could make a wonderful source book for secondary students. It would be an exciting adventure to follow the path of Hongi Hika’s invasion route, visiting the points of significance along the way and musing on the conflicts of this period. The various laments included in the book in both Maori and English, if read on site, would be a powerful reminder of a time when, with the introduction of the musket, warfare between various Maori groups was raised to a new level. Journal entries of notable Europeans are also included giving a well rounded image of the man.
Hongi Hika played a major role in New Zealand’s history. This descriptive book certainly makes the period in which he lived come alive. I recommend it for confident readers of Intermediate Age and older.
Review by Barbara
Famous New Zealanders are often a focus for study in our schools and this book provides children with an early opportunity to read about one such person, Te Rauparaha.
This story has all the elements of danger, endurance, masterful tactics and survival against the odds as we travel with the Ngati Toa people and their leader from Kawhia to Kapiti Island.
Bruce Potter’s illustrations support the clever layering of fact and fiction in the story. They provide a mixture of accurate detail as well as imaginative images from the legend. The realistic facial expressions’ of warriors in battle contrast with the gentle fauna and landscapes of Aotearoa.
In the postscript, we are reminded that less than 200 years have passed since the heke led by Te Rauparaha. An explanation is included of the story’s link to the common copper butterfly and a glossary provides a translation of all the Maori words found in Maureen Cavanagh’s thoughtful book.
To be enjoyed by everyone from middle primary age to parent.
Review by Barbara
What a treat to read this non fiction book. It ticks all the right boxes for children keen to learn skateboarding skills. The format is beautifully organised with its bold photographic images and complimentary step-by-step instructions that cover the wearing of safety gear, setting up your board, to balancing and riding.
Best of all this is achieved with Maori-English text.
Why aren’t there many more such publications to satisfy the needs of our New Zealand students?
The book is recommended for: Reading together 1+ and reading alone 6+
review by Barbara
image by miggslives
This te reo Maori story has all the characteristics of a good story; suspense and resolution with the good guys winning.
It is told through the eyes of a tui and begins with his discovery of his friend Kiwi’s body, killed by a wild cat. The rest of the story shows how he finds an ally in a young boy who not only chases away the cat, but also sets traps and poisons to kill other predators in the bush.
Bruce Potter’s illustrations are outstanding and bring the book to life. You can really see the depth of sadness in Weka and Tui’s faces as they farewell their friend.
This story has a real environmental message and could be used in the classroom to introduce this topic.
Short listed for the Kura Pounamu awards in 2008, the book is also available in English under the title Dawn .
Reviewed by Alice
Short listed for the Kura Pounamu awards in 2008, this te reo Maori book is in graphic format and retells the traditional story of how Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, the pet octopus of Muturangi, led Kupe and others across the Pacific ocean.
This is not just the basic myth but a detailed account of an important legend about the discovery of Aotearoa. The contemporary illustrations are designed to appeal to young readers.
The story also shows the links between Māori legends and natural phenomenon and place names links this with famous tupuna.
Reviewed by Alice
Flickr image by fox2mike
The four myths: Ka kitea a Maui tana whanau, Ko Rata me tona waka, Maui me te atua o te ahi and Hatupatu have been simply but eloquently retold but still retain the essence of the original myth. Maui lives on!
The illustrations are striking with the different colour palette for each of the four stories. The ink painting technique creates very original images to portray these well known stories. The illustrations integrate with the words in adding a strong visual dimension further enhanced by the use of Māori art forms; whakairo, koru and tā moko. The choice of words also helps bring these stories alive and the appeal to young readers is also enhanced by the use of questions through out the four myths.
Short listed for the Kura Pounamu awards in 2007 the book is also available in English under the title Riding the Waves.
Reviewed by Alice
There has never been a book solely dedicated to the toheroa before and this book does the shellfish delicacy justice by covering a wide range of explanatory information from the legends about the toheroa to its preservation. Maori tikanga, history and values are interwoven into the different sections. The language is pitched at a primary audience who will find it easy to follow especially with explanations of new terms in the text. The glossary, contents pages and clear, easy to follow layout add value to this superb example of a te reo Māori non fiction book that was short listed for the Kura Pounamu awards in 2009.
Reviewed by Alice
Secondary students have been looking forward to the arrival of this compelling New Zealand, Maori, fantasy and Daivid Hair doesn’t disappoint.
The Lost Tohunga opens with a prologue that quickly builds pace and tension. Characters are reintroduced along with an intriguing insight into the childhood of a main antagonist, Donna Kyle, and immediately we are hooked.
The hero of this New Zealand style fantasy, Matiu Douglas, has little time to enjoy his holiday from secondary school. With Puarata and his scheming forces of evil close to claiming Te Iho, -The Heart, all thoughts of revision are abandoned. Once more Matiu crosses over to the historical world of Aotearoa to work with his mentor Aethlyn Jones. Myth and reality entwine as the battle for mental and physical control gain momentum.
David Hair writes convincingly. Personalities in the story are complex. The connection between twentieth century New Zealand with Matiu’s peer group support team, and the powerful mana of the forces for good in traditional terms, are imaginative. Their integrity is such that the reader becomes completely involved in this powerful story.
Review by Barbara
Huhu Koreheke is a Māori story! This thought provoking story demonstrates a mokopuna’s love and respect for his koro as he comes to terms with his death. The reader can really feel the anguish of the loss. Ka rongo i te kōingo o te ngākau. The spirit of the story; the celebration of life and grief process is totally captured in the wonderful expressive illustrations. Short listed for the Kura Pounamu awards in 2010l the book is also available in English under the same title.
By Alice
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