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…learn more After the War
Written and illustrated by Bob Kerr
Published by Mallinson Rendel, 2000

…learn more Battle of the Mountains
Written and illustrated by Peter Gossage
Published by Reed Publishing, 2005

…learn more A Booming in the Night
Written by Ben Brown, illustrated by Helen Taylor
Published by Reed, 2005

…learn more Counting the Stars — Four Māori Myths
Written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop
Published by Random House, 2009

…learn more Dad’s Takeaways
Written by Melanie Drewery, illustrated by Christopher White
Published by Mallinson Rendel. 2007

…learn more Every Second Friday
Written by Kiri Lightfoot, illustrated by Ben Galbraith
Published by Hodder, 2008

…learn more Haere — Farewell, Jack, farewell
Written by Tim Tipene, illustrated by Huhana Smith
Published by Huia, 2006

…learn more Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy
Written and illustrated by Lynley Dodd
Published by Mallinson Rendel, 1983

…learn more The House That Grew
Written by Jean Strathdee, illustrated by Jessica Wallace
Published by Oxford, 1979

…learn more The House that Jack Built
Written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop
Published by Scholastic, 1999

…learn more Kimi and the Watermelon
Written by Miriam Smith, illustrated by David Armitage
Published by Puffin, 1983

…learn more The Kuia and the Spider
Written by Patricia Grace, illustrated byRobyn Kahukiwa
Published by Puffin, 1983

…learn more Nobody’s Dog
Written by Jennifer Beck, illustrated by Lindy Fisher
Published by Scholastic, 2005

…learn more Old Hu-Hu
Written by Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Rachel Driscoll
Published by Scholastic, 2009

…learn more A Summery Saturday Morning
Written by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Selina Young
Published by Puffin Books, 1999

…learn more Tahi, one lucky kiwi
Written by Melanie Drewery, illustrated by John O’Reilly and Ali Teo
Published by Random House, 2007

…learn more Taming the Taniwha
Written by Tim Tipene, illustrated by Henry Campbell
Published by Huia, 2005

…learn more The Trolley
Written by Patricia Grace, illustrated by Kerry Gemmill
Published by Viking, 1993

…learn more Tane Steals the Show
Written by Lino Nelisi, illustrated by Gus Hunter
Published by Scholastic 1997

…learn more The Terrible Taniwha of Timberditch
Written by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Rodney McRae
Published by Puffin, 2009. Previously published 1982.

…learn more Watercress Tuna and the Children of Champion Street
Written by Patricia Grace, illustrated by Robyn Kahukiwa
Published by Puffin, 1984

…learn more The Whale Rider
Written by Witi Ihimaera, illustrated by Bruce Potter
Published by Reed, 2005

The Kuia and the Spider

Written by Patricia Grace

Illustrated by Robyn Kahukiwa

Published by Puffin, 1983

ISBN: 0-14-050.387-0

A Maori language version of this book has also been published.

NZC activities for this picture book here.

An old kuia (grandmother) continually fights with a spider living in her house, about whose weaving is the best. The kuia weaves mats for sleeping on, and baskets and kits for collecting kaimoana, kumara and coffee in. The spider weaves to collect food, as well as provide a safe place for his grandchildren to sleep. When both the kuia and the spider’s grandchildren come to stay, they agree that the children will decide for them whose weaving is the best, however instead of this, the reader gets an insight into the purpose and necessity of both types of weaving. In this book, Grace shows the reader the importance of inter-generational bonds, and the importance of elders teaching traditions to their young. The illustrations support this idea and clearly show New Zealand themes – flax mats and kete, beach and marae scenes and kowhaiwhai designs.

Summary written by Marion McKoy

Book cover used with permission of publisher