Te Tohu, The Signing
Book four in a series of five books about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, this one focuses on the signing of Te Tiriti on 6th February, 1840. Te Tohu recounts the events of the day and the days beyond. The book is in graphic novel format, with facts in boxes and conversations in good sized speech bubbles.
Te Tohu begins at a point of confusion over the actual day the signing is meant to be, with Captain Hobson thinking it was to be the next day. Conversations between some of the people involved including William Colenso, Henry Williams, Bishop Pompallier then Chiefs Hōne Heke, Marupō and Ruhe, outline the events of the day. The conversations make it clear that not everyone (on both sides) was happy to sign, some wanting more discussion and some not confident in the document.
Authors Alison Condon and Gina Taggart give a good account of these events in an accessible and very readable format. Colourful and realistic illustrations by talented Tania Hassounia, compliment the story. A kiwi bird appears throughout the book helping out with the Te Reo used and explaining other points in the story.
Title: Te Tohu, The Signing
Author: Alison Condon and Gina Taggart
Illustrator: Tania Hassounia
Publisher: Big BookPublishing
ISBN: 978-0-9941085-9-3
RRP: $15.95 (or a set of the series for $50.00)
Format: Paperback
Publication: February 2017
Ages: 8-88 Years
Reviewer: Vickie Humphries, Librarian, Mount Cook School, Wellington
How are you recommending this book? Recommended
Opening sentence: The treaty of Waitangi was nearly ready for signing.
You can buy this book here