Illustrations – Kirsten Parkinson
I love learning about different cultures. I’d never heard of Matariki before so I was especially keen to get my hands on this book.
The blurb tells you that it “explores the nine stars of Matariki” but assumes you already know what Matariki is. I didn’t, so I asked Google.
I learned that “Matariki is a special occasion in the New Zealand calendar which marks the start of the Māori New Year.
Signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky, this is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead.”
I found this quote, along with an easy to understand introduction to Matariki.
Armed with this new knowledge, I delved back in. If you already know about Matariki, this book provides readers with specific ways they can honour and celebrate this time.
The cover image, which represents Pōhutukawa, was my favourite illustration.
I would have appreciated a small section at the back of the book that told me how to pronounce the names of the stars so I didn’t need to rely on Google.
Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read this picture book.
Once Upon a Blurb
How can we celebrate Matariki? Let’s look to the stars!
Maumaharatia: Remembering our past
Tiakina te taiao: Caring for our environment
Te whakawhanaungatanga: Connecting with our people
Me pēhea tātou e whakanui i a Matariki? Tirohia ngā whetū!
Maumaharatia te onamata
Tiakina te taiao
Te whakawhanaungatanga ki ō tātou iwi
Explore the nine stars of Matariki in rich, detailed imagery and bilingual text. Dive into the meanings of the stars and Matariki itself. Encourage whānau to remember, celebrate and reflect at this important time of year.
Schizanthus Nerd 