Picture Books - Matariki

NZ Writers and Illustrator

Rebecca Beyer and Linley Wellington, illustrated by Christine Ross

Daniel’s Matariki Feast

Duck Creek Press 2014   $19.99pb 32pp

ISBN 978 1 8773 7891 1

Themes: Elements of Matariki/ First days at school/ Maori New Year

Daniel is off for his first day at school and is full of anxieties and worries about meeting new children and leaving his mum behind.  But who could be shy for long when there is so much to do to prepare for the Matariki Feast? All the elements of Matariki are cleverly woven into Daniel’s story – the appearance of the stars/ the honouring and remembering of ancestors/ the harvesting and planning for replanting and the sharing at the feast. Christine Ross has brought her magic to the illustrations making it a special book to share with a group and for stimulating discussion and many activities.   

Year 2 up/ Age 6

 

This year Matariki will start on 28th June.

Source:  Manatu Taonga  - Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Another great book for this time is:

Matariki by Sharon Holt, illustrated by Deborah Hinde and reviewed on this blog on May 1^st 2014. 

(Do you remember a time when there was absolutely nothing, no books, no pictures to share the excitement of Maori New Year with children? Google the words for more material)