Swings + Roundabouts Summer 2020

RONA MOON / KO RONA MĀHINA By Tim Tipene Translated by Stephanie Huriana Fong Illustrated by Theresa Reihana Oratia Books; RRP: $25.99 hardback I really enjoyed this imaginative modern and bilingual retelling of the Rona and Moon myth, as it weaved the present and the past and which is part of the Indigenous Voices series. Rona is a young girl who gets angry with everyone – her brother, her Nana and her Papa, until one night she calls the moon stupid! Taken to meet her ancestor Whaea Rona on the moon, Rona learns a lesson in how to control her temper: “Everything looks so small from up here,” said Rona. “I know,” Whaea beamed. “Even the reasons we felt angry seem so little.” “Hanga nohinohi tea o katoa atu i konei,” tā Rona. “E mea ana koe,” te mene atu a Whaea. “Kua hanga nohinohi hoki ngā take i pupū ai ō tāua riri. The lively text feels real and true alongside the striking mixed-media illustrations. The book is being promoted to primary school readers, students of te Reo Māori and anyone who loves a traditional story, but I also belive tamariki from 4+ will too enjoy this retelling and all readers will gain further understanding of this myth and how it can relate to their own lives. CHRISTMAS IN SUMMER By Suzy Cato & Itty Bitty Beats Illustrated by Carla Martell Scholastic; RRP: $19.99 paperback Ever-popular TV personality Suzy Cato has teamed up with award-winning children’s musical duo, Itty Bitty Beats (Lucy Hiku & Jenny Payne) to create this sing and read along book (you can download the song and watch the video, the song is very catchy and enjoyable to listen to). The book and lyrics celebrate a ‘down-under’ summer: Christmas in summer, it’s always a stunner, the children they laugh and they play! People are singing, the bells are ringing, the sun keeps on shining all day. Santa is surfing in oceans so blue. He’s been delivering presents for me and for you. His reindeer, they rest on the beach for a snooze. We all love Chrirtmas in summer. Yes we do! This book with its catchy tune and the bright and cheerful illustrations will be enjoyed by tamariki 2+. HARE & RURU. A QUIET MOMENT By Laura Shallcrass Beatnik Publishing; RRP: $30.00 hardback This is a beautiful book that celebrates finding peace within oneself through breath, connecting to nature and talking to someone. The main character Hare, is struggling with too much ‘noise’ from runaway thoughts, voices in Hare’s head, loud feelings, general anxiety and the general surrounding buzz of living. Even when no one else was around… Hare could still hear things. Thoughts… Do feelings have a sound? Even silence has a sound. Sometimes, Hare just wanted everything to BE QUIET! Unable to find peace, Hare goes on a journey and meets Ruru who offers a solution. In the twilight Hare stopped searching and felt the earth, the leaves, feeling the connection between them and all things. After a little while the sound of breath, and wind, and the twinkling of stars , was oh so Quiet. The illustrations are exquisite and with a subdued pallet support the overall feel of the book offering peace alongside the strategies for coping with noises, anxiety and loud feelings. Hare & Ruru is also available in te reo Māori. Perfect for tamariki 2.5 +. December 2020 { 40 }