I Waho, i te Moana / Out in the Moana

This book is available in two editions, both with the same illustrations, one in English and the other in te reo Māori.

In the tradition of the well-known song for children: ‘Over in the Meadow’, Yvonne Morrison has created a picture book celebrating animals of our oceans. This book is perfect for singing to or reading with children aged three to seven.

Each ocean animal has its own double-page spread with beautiful pencil and water-colour illustrations from the talented hands of Jenny Cooper. This book could also be used as a progressive counting book (numbers one to ten) and children will enjoy counting the baby animals.

The format of each verse is the same making it easy for children to join in with the singing. Each animal has an action with the verb highlighted. The actions of the flounder commanded to hide and the sharks commanded to smile are particularly fun.

The last page has a few sentences on each animal with interesting information on how their mothering habits vary so widely: from the mother seal who keeps a very close eye on her pup to the moray eel who lays eggs and never meets her babies.

This book would be a great addition to any junior classroom library as it lends itself to so many uses and is so much fun.

Title: I Waho, i te Moana / Out in the Moana

Author: Yvonne Morrison

Illustrator: Jenny Cooper (lives in Ōtautahi Christchurch)

Translator: Pānia Papa

Publisher: Scholastic

ISBN: 9781775436928 (te reo Māori) / 9781775436553 (te reo Pakeha)

RRP: $19.99

Format: Paperback

Publication: 1 October 2021

Ages: 3-7

Themes: appreciation of animals in the sea

Advisory warnings: None

Would this book work as a read aloud: Yes

Is there a particular part of the country it’s set in? The seas surrounding NZ

Reviewer: Nova Gibson, Librarian, Massey Primary School, Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Recommended

Opening sentence: I waho, i te moana, i te hana o te rā, te kekeno uwha me tāna punua. Out in the moana, underneath the sparkling sun, lived a mother sea lion and her little pup one.

You can buy these books here