Swings + Roundabouts Spring 2021

Resource Reviews Te Kuia me te Pūngāwerewere / The Kuia and the Spider By Patricia Grace Illustrated by Robyn Kahukiwa Translated by Hirini Melbourne Picture Puffin; $19.99 Paperback If you haven’t got this book or needing a new version due to wear and tear, now is the perfect time to buy The Kuia and the Spider, with this edition being both in English and te reo Māori allowing it to be read in either English, te reo Māori or both. Patai ana te kuia ki āna mokopuna, ‘Nā wai ngā mahi pai?’ Kāore rātau e korero, noho ana ki runga o ngā whāriki, waiata ana, takoto ana, korero ana. Haere atu ana rātau ki te māra me ngā kete rau kumara. ‘Whose weaving is best?’ asked the kuia. But the kuia’s grandchildren did not answer. They sat on the mats and sang songs. They lay on the mats and talked. They took kits to the garden and got kumara. This classic and beloved story, which many will remember from their own childhood (first published in 1981) about these two old friends bickering over whose weaving is best. This book offers insight and many discussions about the many usages of weaving harakeke alongside the wonder of nature, intergenerational relationships, and the joy that friendship and whānau offers, even when you don’t see eye-to-eye! The stunning illustrations by Robyn Kahukiwa add to the story and are an art within themselves. This book will be enjoyed by tamariki 3+. Growing Pains By Alison McLennan Illustrated by Melissa Johns EK Books; RRP: $24.99 Hardback Growing Pains explores the themes of kindness, curiosity, empathy, caring for the environment, and overcoming your fears through Finn’s curiosity after his family plant a tree in their backyard and Finn wonders if the tree felt cold, hungry or lonely. Finn tries to share his breakfast with the tree, offers it his scarf, and spends the afternoon keeping it company. But one night while feeling scared in the dark he realises the tree is also outside by himself in the dark every night … Finn is slipped out of bed and went to the window. His tree was standing tall and unafraid in the pale glow of the moon. It didn’t look frightened at all. If tree could be brave, thought Finn, then maybe he could too. As well as supporting children to overcome fears and anxiety, the book also explores and shows a young child showing concern and care for the environment which can also support discussions and children’s understanding in how we care for our own local environment and science concepts such as what do trees, plants etc need to survive and how can we nurture the environment. The whimsical illustrations also tie in with the environmentally aware themes of the story as the illustrator has used a variety of collage within the illustrations including recycled teabags, serviettes, gift wrapping and paper coffee cups. This book will be enjoyed by children 3.5+. September 2021 { 36 }