Charlie Tangaroa and the creature from the sea

Charlie Tangaroa, a boy from the East Coast of NZ, with one leg is the hero and the one who will take you on a journey woven with Maori mythology and tikanga. Charlie Tangaroa and his brother Robbie find a ponaturi (mermaid). A surprising find, however their Grandfather is not surprised and seems to know more... There is mystery around the ponaturi and Charlie soon finds himself in the middle of a battle between the Māori gods, Tangaroa and Tane Mahuta. The story is fast paced and captivating from the beginning and I found it hard to put down.

I can see that the fabulous cover art by Phoebe Morris will have our readers reaching for this story. The spiral of sea creatures with Charlie falling into deep water is mysterious and captures the wairua (the spirit or soul) of the story. The pages are cream, which some readers with dyslexia find easier to read, although I am not sure if this is a design feature or not.

There is a helpful appendix that gives a brief explanation of the Māori gods featured as well as a glossary of Māori words.

I think this story will have wide appeal in its target audience of 8-12-year olds, adventure, local interest, fantasy/mythology, action and suspense! A book that adults will also enjoy, I will be promoting it as perfect for a class read aloud. I will be reaching for it time and time again to promote it to readers as it ticks so many boxes.

Title: Charlie Tangaroa and the creature from the sea

Author: T.K.Roxborogh

Publisher: Huia Publishers

ISBN: 978-1-77550-397-2

RRP: $25.00

Format: Paperback

Publication: September 2020

Ages: 8-12

Reviewer: Louana McCormack, Librarian, Opaheke School, Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Highly Recommended

What’s the book’s opening sentence? “I’m curious.”

You can buy this book here read the book's first chapter here