My Little Book of Bugs; Taku pukapuka iti mō ngā pepeke

This bilingual, charming and informative little book is lovely to hold, as well as to read. The photographs are centred on each page with a white background that helps each insect’s features stand out. On the opposing pages on a green or orange background are the names of each insect in English and Māori in large letters. This is followed by a simple sentence, e.g. “Grasshoppers have their ears in their legs.” and “Kei ngā waewae o te māwhitiwhiti ōna taringa.”

This would be a satisfying book to share with a young child, who was keen on bugs, but could also serve to expand the horizons of children who were not so keen. It could help to develop an interest in the insect world and in biology in general. The bicultural nature of the book means that it could be used in kōhunga reo and kura kaupapa as well as mainstream schools.

Title: My Little Book of Bugs; Taku pukapuka iti mō ngā pepeke

Text: Phil Sirvid and Julia Kasper

Translation into te reo Maōri: Stephanie Tibble

Photography: Jean-Claude Glyde

Publisher: Te Papa Press

ISBN: 978-1-99-000068-3

RRP: $20

Format: Boardbook

Date of Publication: 2020

Age Range: Picturebook -Junior

Do you have any advisory warnings for this book? No

Reviewer: Carola Crawford, English teacher, Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College

How are you recommending this book: Highly Recommended

What’s the book’s opening sentence? Ants make trails to lead other ants to food. Ka whakatakoto te pōpokorua i ngā ara hei ārahi i ētahi atu pōpokoruaki te kai.

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