Ko Nga Whetu Hauhau, Ko Nga Whetu Tarakaka O Matariki: Ko Waipunarangi Raua Ko Ururangi product reviews

I am always delighted to read a new book in Te Reo Maori that is targeted at younger children. In the past, it has been difficult to find suitable publications for them. In recent years, this issue has been partly addressed by authors publishing parallel copies in English and Te Reo. It is a bonus when the books introduce Maori tikanga and mythology as well since all this is part of the learning process for our tamariki.

Having read the first three books in her Matariki series, it was a pleasure to find that Miriama Kamo's new book was the fourth set around Te Mata Hapuku (Birdlings Flat), a place I know well. She captures the special character of the area through the use of vivid language, starting with kiwikiwi (grey) to describe the overall impression on visitors when they first arrive. Wind and waves are full of energy, howling and crashing around the children. The whole impression is that of a wild, wayward area that challenges visitors to take it as they find it because that is its strength. Zak Waipara's illustrations capture this aspect to perfection.

The main characters (Poua, Grandma, Te Rerehua and Sam) are used to the eccentricities of the weather. Poua and Grandma live there so it is part of everyday life for them. The grandchildren, however, have to learn to cope with it! Grandma uses storytelling to help them understand their role in this magical place, and gives out plenty of hugs when they are needed - plus advice on how to handle the patupaiarehe when they are mischievous. Meanwhile, Poua acknowledges the Matariki stars on behalf of the family.

I found one interesting aspect of this text was the use of words more common in Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island). I knew most of them as we have links with Kai Tahu through my partner's family, but despite the included glossary I had to check on the meanings of some of the words. Two of them were not in any dictionary I consulted so I had to contact my niece to verify what they meant! This was a reminder that Te Reo is not a static language; there are regional differences which evolve in various parts of the country.

Having read the book myself, I shared it with a friend's children - one aged four and the other nine. They are bilingual so we read the book in Te Reo with occasional interjections in English from me when a word popped up that they did not know. Miss Nine was immersed in the story right from the start. They live in Tauranga and have never been to Te Wai Pounamu, but she was able to visualise the area and had learned about Matariki so was already familiar with the names Waipunarangi and Ururangi. Mr Four, however, found the story too difficult to follow. He liked the illustrations but got bored with the story and wandered off. The recommended reading age is 3+, but I think the story is more appropriate for those who are of school age.

Although the children's reactions were mixed, their mother loved the book and joined us for a second reading. She and Miss Nine took turns reading aloud, pleased with their own fluency! Miss Nine did need help with some of the longer words, but she is a quick learner and it certainly did not hold her up. It was a positive experience for all of us. And we all acquired some new words, including me!