te reo Māori for babies and pre-schoolers

NZ Writer and Illustrator

Kitty Brown, illustrated by Kirsten Parkinson Kararehe Reo Pepe Tapui Ltd 2016  $16.99 board book 32pp ISBN 978 0 4733 3151 1 Themes: te reo Māori for babies and pre-schoolers  

You just never know what will be arriving in the courier van when it pulls up at your door!  Out of the blue (well out of a cardboard packet really) came three of the most enchanting board books in te reo for babies and preschoolers I have seen.  The text consists of a Māori phrase in dark (thick) letters and the English translation in thinner letters. There is an easily understood pronunciation guide - the whole thing is  supremely simple – and the illustrations are charming – understated, warm and full of humour.

The other two books in the series are:

Kanohi (My Face) ISBN 978 0 4733 3150 4

Kakahu (Getting Dressed) ISBN 978 0 4733 3152 8

I hope this is a publishing venture that really takes off as although the books are aimed at the very young they could be used (and enjoyed) by an even wider age group. 

For more information go to: www.reopepi.co.nz 

Babies up/ Age 1 up 

Kitty and Kirsten launched their publishing house in February this year

 Image: Christine O'Conner

Picture Book in Te Reo

NZ Writer and Illustrator Sharon Holt, illustrated by Deborah Hinde Mahi Tahi 
Te Reo Singalong series

The Writing Bug Ltd 2015  $24.99pb 24pp

ISBN 978 0 9941 1710 6

Themes: Books in Te Reo/ Dressing up/ Team work

Here is another valuable production from Sharon Holt and Deborah Hinde with all the features from the previous books that proved so successful – the singalong CD which makes following the text so simple, the guitar chords, the follow up activities and the bright cheerful story. This time it concerns a group of Maori and Pakeha children working together, dressing up as animals and putting on a concert - and now I know how to say ‘elephant’ in Te Reo – I must find an opportunity to use it.

Preschool up/ Age 4 up

Mahi Tahi  = Work Together