Haere - Farewell, Jack, Farewell
Written by Tim Tipene
Illustrated by Huhana Smith
Publisher: Huia Publishers
ISBN: 1-86969-104-0
Summary/Back cover:
A death is mourned, a birth is celebrated, and a little girl sees that life comes full circle.
A poetic and moving tale by Tim Tipene with evocative illustrations by Huhana Smoth.
Review:
This follows the theme of death in childrens' books, as I've already reviewed in Duck, Death and the Tulip, and The Bear and the Wildcat. I haven't read this book to my children either, but this book was worthy of being reviewed due to the Maori culture that it is based on (for those readers from outside New Zealand, Maori are the indigenous people of our country, and the culture is an important part of New Zealand).
Haere- Farewell, Jack, Farewell is the story of Koro Jack (Grandad) dying, being taken to the marae, manuhiri (visitors) coming to pay their respects, and taking him to the urupa (cemetery). It then goes on to nephew Jack being born, and being introduced to Koro Jack at the urupa.
It is a gentle tale that quietly explains the process from death to burial of a loved one in the Maori culture. There are a few important Maori words scattered throughout the story, but no glossary to explain them, if you don't know what they mean. However, a quick Google search found me www.maoridictionary.co.nz which helped me out with the couple of words I was unfamiliar with.
For Maori children who lose a loved one, I definitely recommend this book. For non-Maori, I recommend this as a great book to understand a wee bit of Maori culture. Well written, from a child's point of view, and makes good use of Maori language and other kiwi slang ("cuzzies", for example).
My rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review written by Bronwyn
No comments:
Post a Comment