Book Review: The Stolen Stars of Matariki, by Miriama Kamo, illustrated by Zak Waipara

Available in bookshops nationwide.

In a magical, wild, windy place called Te Mata Hāpuku there’s a beach made up of as many stones as there are stars in the sky. When Te Rerehua and Sam stay with at Te Mata Hāpuku with their Grandma and Pōua they love to scour the beach for the gleaming, bright, white stones called agate. One night as they gaze up at the night sky their Grandma exclaims that there are stars missing from the Matariki cluster. Grandma knows exactly what has happened to those stars; the patupaiarehe have snatched them from the sky and will hide them amongst the stones unless they are stopped. Will Te Rerehua and Sam be able to hatch a plan clever enough to trick the naughty patupaiarehe into releasing the stolen stars?

The Stolen Stars of Matariki was a new Matariki Story for me and I found it to be a very amusing tale. It was great that all nine stars of Matariki were included in this story as many stories only include seven of the stars that make up the Matariki cluster.

Kamo’s descriptive language has a magical quality to it fitting with the theme of the story, and I enjoyed the Te Reo Māori that is woven through the English version.

The patupaiarehe were also new to me and I was delighted to be introduced to another piece of Māori mythology, albeit a very mischievous creature! A story between “right and wrong” or “good vs. evil” always makes for an interesting read and it’s made all the more better for young children when the hero triumphs over the villain using non-violence.

It is obvious that Te Mata Hāpuku holds a special place within Kamo’s heart, and she paints an evocative image of it’s landscape and atmosphere through her words. The rich illustrations of Zak Waipara saturate each page; mixing thick, bold lines and geometric patterns with delicate and vibrant watercolours which compliment Kamo’s words perfectly.

Miriama Kamo’s debut The Stolen Stars of Matariki is a wonderful tale that introduces new kupu and Māori mythology to readers. It’s magical words and haunting illustrations will amuse and delight many young children and adults who read it, while also familiarising them with Matariki. I will definitely be on the lookout for a copy of the te teo Māori addition and waiting semi-patiently for more books from Miriama Kamo.

Reviewed by Alana Bird

The Stolen Stars of Matariki
by Miriama Kamo, illustrated by Zak Waipara
Published by Scholastic NZ
ISBN 9781775435341

Maui Sun Catcher, by Tim Tipene, illustrated by Zak Waipara, translated by Rob Ruha

Available now in bookshops nationwide.

Re-working a traditional and much loved myth is a big challenge and requires ensuring the familiar story features are finely balanced with new ideas and fresh imagery to retain the essence of the original while engaging new audiences. Award winning New Zealand author Tim Tipene took up this challenge with Maui – Sun Catcher and has hit that balance perfectly, delivering a Maui who is both mischief-maker and cheeky fella.

Bringing Maui into the 21st century sees him cajoling his brothers to help him capture Tama Nui Te Ra, the Sun, and force him to slow down so that all can get their work done and enjoy a full day. The brothers are modern day blokes and the dialogue between them is as Kiwi as it gets: ‘You think too much, said Roto, rolling his eyes and turning on the television. ‘Sit down and watch the rugby, man.’ The striking cartoon like illustrations depicting them in familiar clothing (jeans, mechanic’s overalls and school uniform), coupled with mentions of sunscreen and gassing up the car brings the myth well and truly into modern day.

In keeping with the magical capabilities of Maui the trickster, he is depicted in what looks suspiciously like a superhero outfit, complete with emblem on his top, fish hook slung low across his hips, and… is that a cape or a hoodie? Also setting him apart and adding to his mystery, is Maui’s speech which, in rhyming couplets, is the only rhyme found in the text; a feature acknowledged by one of his brothers: “Maui the poet, eh, always out to be the hero,’ Waho grumbled.”

When he and his brothers find the sun’s pit, they prepare to trap the Sun in a net made of magic flax. Maui steps up to challenge the Sun to slow down and, in this version, beats the Sun not with his fists but with his words – tricking the Sun into slowing down using flattery: ‘The Sun was quiet, He looked around. He liked Maui’s words of magnificence and greatness. They made him feel special.’

Presented in both te Reo Maori and English this bi-lingual modern retelling of a myth unique to Aotearoa is equally accessible to all young readers. It is beautifully presented in hardback with bright colours and bold illustrations and I do hope it is the first of many such re-workings presented by the Tipene, Waipara and Oratia Books team.

Reviewed by Vanessa Hatley-Owen

Maui: Sun Catcher
by Tim Tipene, illustrated by Zak Waipara, translated by Rob Ruha
Published by Oratia Books, 2016
ISBN 9780947506148