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