Ngā Taonga e Waru mā Te Wheke / The Eight Gifts of Te Wheke

I was very excited to see this duo working together because I’ve loved Matuku and Mutton-Roger’s work for a few years. This short and fast paced tale reads like a fable or fairy story. Te Wheke is a true and straight forward villain, shocking young readers with his blatant greed and selfishness. Tamati is the flawed protagonist who lets himself be momentarily mesmerised into losing his sister.

The story telling style reminds me of The Lion in the Meadow and Where the Wild Things Are. I think Matuku really nails the flawless meld of real life with imagination and fantasy.

This simple story uses illustrations to pack in a lot of detail about where and how the children live. I particularly loved the mum, how unflappable and no nonsense she is and how she cheers her children on. I also relished in the unapologetic and abrupt ending.

I think this book works as a great read aloud for tamariki aged 3-10. I’ve found it leads to great conversation about greed, bravery, whānau and kai moana.

Available in te reo Pākehā and te reo Māori this book has just been announced as a finalist in the 2022 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Title: Ngā Taonga e Waru mā Te Wheke / The Eight Gifts of Te Wheke

Author: StephMatuku

Illustrator: Laya Mutton- Rogers

Publisher: Huia

ISBN: 97817755065919 (te reo Māori) and 978177550639 (te reo Pākehā)

RRP: $20.00

Format: paperback

Publication: Late 2021

Ages: 3-13

Themes: Greed, Bravery

Any advisory warnings? none

Would this book work as a read aloud? Yes

Is there a particular part of the country that it’s set in? no

Reviewer: Lucy Black, Librarian, Mt Cook School, Wellington

How are you recommending this book? Highly Recommended

Opening sentence: Every afternoon, Tamati and his little sister, Aria, would play at the beach.

You can buy this book here