It is great to see more children’s books being published in Te Reo Māori.
Whether they are ‘tried and true’ favourites (Going on a Bear Hunt and The Very Hungry Caterpillar) having been translated to meet a growing customer market or completely new titles that are published in Te Reo Māori at the same time as their English counterparts – this is a true bicultural approach – no second thoughts here!
As Te Reo Māori is now part of our education curriculum throughout preschool and junior school, these are invaluable resources for our teachers as well as for parents, te Reo learners and anyone involved in the world of story and reading. Tamariki who are fluent in or who are learning Te Reo Māori are able to read alongside English readers and that partnership is one to be nurtured.
As Christchurch City Libraries actively persues the tikanga/values of our bicultural plan – Te Ara Tika – these ngā pukapuka/books are vital to fulfilling our objectives. Talented storytellers in the library network are beginning to expand their wings and are presenting preschool sessions with increasing amounts of Te Reo Māori.
Here is a very small selection of new titles available in both Te Reo Māori and English at our libraries.
Taniwha, Taniwha, Nā Robyn Kahukiwa
An adventure story with Supa Heroes, Māui, Hina and a taniwha. Art work is by Robyn Kahukiwa too. Written for her mokopuna.
I Toro Haere māua ko Pāpā / Adventures with Daddy Nā Cathy Kearse
“Today’s a big day for Daddy and me. There’s so much to do and so much to see.” In this humorous book, a fun day out with Daddy is explored through the eyes of a small child.
He kurī kino koe Flash / Bad Dog Flash, Nā Ruth Paul
Flash is an energetic puppy who is told off for chasing cats, breaking windows, chewing shoes, ripping clothes – but also knows that he is still loved.
The latest one I have discovered is Te Tanguruhau, the Te Reo Māori version of Julia Donaldson’s well-loved The Gruffalo, where a clever mouse uses the threat of a terrifying creature to keep from being eaten by a fox, an owl, and a snake, only to have to outwit that creature as well.
One of the great things that I find with the publication in both English and Te Reo Māori is that I can practice my Te Reo. Being able to read the English version first helps determine the best way to read these stories out loud so that the meaning, humour, punch lines and ‘feel’ of the story are not lost in my te Reo reading.
They also make great gifts for my two young great-nieces who attend Kohanga Reo in Murihiku/Invercargill and will soon be streaks ahead of their mother with their Te Reo – so they will be reading to her.
Other children’s titles in Te Reo Māori you may like to try :
So, have a go at Te Reo Māori picture books, for yourself, your kids, your mokopuna. Who knows what adventure you may find yourself in!
Christchurch City Libraries Blog 