Mana of the Pacific: Wisdom from across Oceania By Apisalome Movono & Regina Scheyvens Potton & Burton; RRP: $39.99 Mana of the Pacific brings together inspirational proverbs and beautiful photographs that highlight the strength, resilience, wisdom and innovation of people from across the Pacific. These proverbs do not only offer insight into Pacific peoples customs, knowledge and ways of being, but also celebrate the strength and resilience that these deep-seated cultural systems offer Pacific communities in times of need as well as acknowledging the support systems that lay in place. This book is a valuable resource for ECE centres to support their own understanding of Pacific peoples core values and practices. Ming’s Iceberg Written by Kiri Lightfoot Illustrated by Kimberly Andrews Scholastic; RRP: $19.99 Paperback Ming’s Iceberg is about a young curious penguin living in the Antarctica who is adventurous and longs to visit the place where the ocean meets the sky to see what is there. Ming doesn’t just wonder but takes action by leaping onto a drifting iceberg leaving her family behind. Ming’s Iceberg is a touching story that evokes the dispositions of determination, curiosity, taking risks and self-belief. The story also demonstrates the role relationships and ‘home’ has in one’s life. The beautiful illustrations not just capture the wonder of the Antarctic landscape but the huge personality of this young penguin. This book will be enjoyed by both young children 3+ along with those reading it aloud. Wilbur’s Walk Written by Rebecca Nash Illustrated by Daniel Nash Mary Egan Publishing; RRP: $25.00 Hardback On the surface and first glance Wilber’s Walk is a weird little book, with quirky and unusual illustrations not often seen in picture books alongside an imaginative and magical viewpoint of a young child who watches the world around him, as his mother pushes his buggy, their dog chases pinecones and a variety of birds who at first appear to be chirping before Wilber realises he understands their utterances to one another. I also loved how the author used the Māori names for each of these native birds. Along with showing the imagination of a young child through both the text and the illustrations, Wilbur’s Walk also demonstrates the love this mother has for her child in a wild and gentle way. Will be loved by Mums and enjoyed by tamariki 3+. Grandpa Versus Swing Written by Tania Sickling Illustrated by Lael Chrisholm Scholastic; RRP: $19.99 Paperback Grandpa Versus Swing is a joyous fun read celebrating a highly spirited grandfather, a fix-it Grandma and told through the eyes of the grandchildren who are in fits of laughter at their grandfather’s antics. The faultless rhyming and rhythm of the humorous text, alongside the descriptive and entertaining illustrations makes this book a fun read aloud for all and will be enjoyed by tamariki 3+. March 2022 { 36 }
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