Swings + Roundabouts Winter 2021

GOING TO TE PAPA – ASIASIGA ‘I LE FALEMATA’AGA I TE PAPA By Dahlia Malaeulu Translated by Niusila Faamanatu-Eteuati Te Papa Press; RRP: $19.99 Board Book This beautifully presented board book features measina or treasures from Samoa in the collection of Museum of New Zealand Te papa Tongarewa. Although the board board is set around a museum collection, don’t let this put you off the book, as the book offers so much more. The book is bilingual, in both Samoan and English and include images many young children, particularly Samoan young children, will recognise from their own homes and community promoting further knowledge of Samoan culture and Gangana Samoa, the Samoan language. The book is bright and appealing and will be enjoyed from young babies to young preschoolers. KŌWHAI AND THE GIANTS By Kate Parker Illustrated by Little Love; RRP: $30.00 Hardback Kōwhai first appeared from the golden glow of a beautiful flower…Kōwhai lived for thousands of years in a great forest of giants. This bittersweet story shows the relationship Kōwhai has with the trees and the environment, living with, beside and together offering mutual support to one another in her role as a kaitiaki. The story unfolds to the habitation of humans and the following decimation of Aotearoa mighty forests and many wildlife. But the story offers hope, Each tiny seed holds the promise of great hope and illustrates how Kōwhai may be small and alone, but how one’s actions can encourage others and bring about change. Kōwahi and the Giants asks the reader to listen with all their senses to their natural surroundings and to discover Kōwhai’s call for themselves. In the resources section at the back of the book, children are encouraged to plant native seeds and discover what native plants grow in your area, either in the past or maybe still growing now. The visually stunning illustrations originally appeared in an exhibition at the Arataki Visitor Centre, and which were created from hand-cut paper, placed in a plywood box and lit from behind. For children 3+. WHEN THE WIND BLEW By Jacqui Maguire Illustrated by Charlotte Schryvers RRP: $19.99 Paperback The storyline of When the Wind Blew will be recognisable for many young children as it revisits lockdowns during COVID-19. In the story we meet Órla, who one morning awakes to a very different world, the footpath outside her bedroom was quiet, different food for breakfast, she couldn’t play with her best friend, the library was closed and the playground was covered with a NO ENTER red tape. Feelings roller-coastered through Órla’s body, making her all jumbled. She stamped her feet as angry red sparks flew up to her cheeks. She hid under a blanket when scared butterflies flapped in her tummy and cried as a sad blue cloud settled above her head. The book offers evidence-based psychology strategies in wellbeing and how to navigate change and challenges such as teaching Órla that she has super powers inside her to help her calm, from exercising, counting to 10 slowly, and laughing and breathing from her belly. Alongside the strategies the book also shows the positive elements to change such as spending more time with family and playing games. There are further resources at the end of the book to support adults in understanding these complex ideas into relatable concepts and how to practice these strategies. Although this book is set during a lockdown, this book will support children (and some adults) in coping more effectively during change and challenging times. The book also has simple illustrations that support the text and children’s comprehension. For children 3+. June 2021 { 40 }