Te Wiki/The Week, The Chronicles of Paki, Treaty of Waitangi Series, Book 2

This book is book two of five in The Chronicles of Paki series telling the story of the Treaty of Waitangi. This part of the story opens with James Busby, ‘a man-o-war without guns’, awaiting the arrival of Captain Hobson so that the process of negotiating a treaty with Māori can be started. This process is unique to the way England has dealt with its colonies and the need to respect and protect the Māori, their land and assets as a reason for the existence of the Treaty. In easy-to-read graphic novel format, this book lays out some of the principles of the Treaty and finishes with preparations for the hui before the signing. The last two pages include a simplified version of the Treaty in English and Māori.

With NZ school curriculum including more knowledge and understanding of our history, this series becomes an important and accessible source. There are short paragraphs of explanatory text with engaging illustrations and speech bubbles. The authors have researched this series well, producing an authentic account of the main historical events shaping the relationship between Māori and European during the 18th and 19th centuries.

This is a highly readable series and I would recommend it for any NZ school library.

Title: Te Wiki/The Week, The Chronicles of Paki, Treaty of Waitangi Series, Book 2

Author: Alison Condon and Gina Taggart

Illustrator: Tania Hassounia

Publisher: Big Book Publishing

ISBN: 9780994108579

RRP: $15.95

Format: Paperback

Publication: 2017

Ages: 8-14

Reviewer: Nova Gibson, Library Manager, Massey Primary School, Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Highly Recommended

Opening sentence: 1840 New Zealand was in a state of turmoil.

You can buy this series of books here