Hauraki Broo / Ngā Purū O Hauraki
These two beautiful books are available in either English or Te Reo Māori. They were published in association with World Wildlife Fund and Whale Tales Auckland 2022 and tell the story of Broo, who is a Bryde's whale in search of something suitable to eat. While looking at the different creatures in the ocean she also comments on how many creatures are left. The English version has a wonderful integration of Te Reo to describe the creatures, which is followed by the English translation, cleverly done in such a way that it adds to, rather than distracts from the flow of the story.
The back of the book includes factual information about Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and Bryde’s whales.
Title: Hauraki Broo / Ngā Purū O Hauraki (there are two versions of this book)
Author & Illustrator: Nikki Slade Robinson (lives in Bay of Plenty)
Translator: Tane Karamaina
Publisher: Duck Creek Press
ISBN: 9781927305751 / 9781927305768
RRP: $19:99
Format: paperback
Publication: January 2022
Ages: 4+
Themes: Whales, conservation, marine environment
Any advisory warnings? No
Would this book work as a read aloud? Yes
Is there a particular part of the country that it’s set in? Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Reviewer: Leanne Nathan, Associate Principal, Clendon Park School, Auckland
How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended
Opening sentence: Huhū! Whoosh! Hau Raki, the north wind, whisked across Tikapa Moana, Te Moananui-a-Toi, just as it had done since time began.