Book
.

Whakarongo ki o Tupuna: Listen to your Ancestors

by Darryn Joseph

Find your copy...

'Kia toa, e hine ma, e tama ma, kia kaua hoki koutou e whakama. Me waiata koutou ki nga manu o to koutou tupuna, o Tane-mahuta. Be bold now, girls and boys, it’s no time to be shy. Sing to the birds of your ancestor, The Great Forest.' This poignant story is set in a school and then rest home environment, following the life lessons passed from a teacher to her pupils, and aligning these with the example set by Maori gods and ancestors. As the story unfolds the teacher ages and retires, and we see the beautiful and caring relationship between ‘Nan’ and her granddaughter. Nan passes away; we are reminded of the circular nature of life as her granddaughter begins to teach her own pupils lessons from the ancestors.

About the Author

Darryn Joseph (Ngati Maniapoto) is a senior lecturer in Maori language at Massey University, Palmerston North, and the author of more than 23 books, mainly for Maori immersion education. Darryn is a trustee of Storylines and was a judge for the 2018 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Munro Te Whata (Ngapuhi, Ngati Porou) is a dynamic young animator, artist and writer who has illustrated several books. He lives in Auckland.

Learn more about Darryn Joseph...