…learn moreAfter the War Written and illustrated by Bob Kerr Published by Mallinson Rendel, 2000
…learn moreBattle of the Mountains Written and illustrated by Peter Gossage Published by Reed Publishing, 2005
…learn moreA Booming in the Night Written by Ben Brown, illustrated by Helen Taylor Published by Reed, 2005
…learn moreCounting the Stars — Four Māori Myths Written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop Published by Random House, 2009
…learn moreDad’s Takeaways Written by Melanie Drewery, illustrated by Christopher White Published by Mallinson Rendel. 2007
…learn moreEvery Second Friday Written by Kiri Lightfoot, illustrated by Ben Galbraith Published by Hodder, 2008
…learn moreHaere — Farewell, Jack, farewell Written by Tim Tipene, illustrated by Huhana Smith Published by Huia, 2006
…learn moreHairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy Written and illustrated by Lynley Dodd Published by Mallinson Rendel, 1983
…learn moreThe House That Grew Written by Jean Strathdee, illustrated by Jessica Wallace Published by Oxford, 1979
…learn moreThe House that Jack Built Written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop Published by Scholastic, 1999
…learn moreKimi and the Watermelon Written by Miriam Smith, illustrated by David Armitage Published by Puffin, 1983
…learn moreThe Kuia and the Spider Written by Patricia Grace, illustrated byRobyn Kahukiwa Published by Puffin, 1983
…learn moreNobody’s Dog Written by Jennifer Beck, illustrated by Lindy Fisher Published by Scholastic, 2005
…learn moreOld Hu-Hu Written by Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Rachel Driscoll Published by Scholastic, 2009
…learn moreA Summery Saturday Morning Written by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Selina Young Published by Puffin Books, 1999
…learn moreTahi, one lucky kiwi Written by Melanie Drewery, illustrated by John O’Reilly and Ali Teo Published by Random House, 2007
…learn moreTaming the Taniwha Written by Tim Tipene, illustrated by Henry Campbell Published by Huia, 2005
…learn moreThe Trolley Written by Patricia Grace, illustrated by Kerry Gemmill Published by Viking, 1993
…learn moreTane Steals the Show Written by Lino Nelisi, illustrated by Gus Hunter Published by Scholastic 1997
…learn moreThe Terrible Taniwha of Timberditch Written by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Rodney McRae Published by Puffin, 2009. Previously published 1982.
…learn moreWatercress Tuna and the Children of Champion Street Written by Patricia Grace, illustrated by Robyn Kahukiwa Published by Puffin, 1984
…learn moreThe Whale Rider Written by Witi Ihimaera, illustrated by Bruce Potter Published by Reed, 2005
This story is set in Whangara, East Coast New Zealand, where a young girl called Kahu is born as a descendent of Paikea who according to legend, rode a whale from Hawaiiki to New Zealand. As the first born to the eldest son of the whanau, Kahu has broken the male line of descent – the first since before Paikea lived many years ago. The story tells of her struggle with her grandfather, Koro Apirana to be recognised as the new leader of the people of Whangara. Koro Apirana cannot accept that a female could be leader. As things start to go wrong for the villagers, Koro Apirana blames the problems on Kahu and sets out to find a suitable male to take over leadership of the whanau. It is almost too late when after the stranding of whales on their home beach, he finally realises that Kahu is indeed the rightful heir to lead the people. The detailed text is divided into four chapters, making it best suited to older children. The life-like illustrations show huge emotion and support the story beautifully. Central to the story is the idea that whilst it is important to remember and respect our heritage, it is also important to keep progressing forwards and not be afraid of change.
Written by Witi Ihimaera