“He shows all sorts of qualities that schools across the country are really focused on at the moment. Problem solving, teamwork, leadership, resilience, sharing of knowledge – but he’s still that pōtiki and tinihanga, the cheeky trickster, who young kids will connect with.” All these attributes, which are so important for preschool and primary aged children, are demonstrated in an accessible and age-appropriate way.
As with all Donovan’s books, each read reveals fresh layers and surprises hidden within the lush imagery and parents and children alike will delight in the new discoveries every time they pick up the book. To further help with this, Donovan has developed a range of teachers’ notes to extend the experience children can have with the book. Māui and the Secret of Fire / Māui me te Ahi a Mahuika will be simultaneously published in both English and te reo Māori, with a significant print run planned for the te reo edition.
Click here to download and enter the colouring competition to win a Donavan Bixley book pack valued at $100.
On sale 10 September (Upstart Press), $19.99 RRP (paperback) / $24.99 (hardback)
Donovan Bixley is the creator of some of New Zealand’s most popular picture books, including The Wheels on the Bus and The Looky Book. He has received numerous awards and has over 120 books published in 31 countries.
Dr Darryn Joseph (Ngāti Maniapoto) is a Senior Lecturer of Māori at Massey University. He is also an award-winning writer of sci-fi and adventure chapter books in te reo, the Māori language.
Keri Opai (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Te Ata, Waiohua, Ngāti Porou) is an award-winning translator. He has been a Māori language lecturer, an iwi radio broadcaster, an interpreter and is currently a cultural advisor.
