$29.99
1 in stock
1 in stock
Paku Manu Ariki talks directly to the reader, drawing on the stories that spin around him-his father’s matauranga, his mother’s politics, his many pet birds, and his best friend who is taller, even though he’s younger.
The book is born from the experience of growing up in a strong Maori whanau in a country and wider world that offers a conflicting version of what is right and of value.
Paku Manu Ariki is trying to understand his role in his family, community and the larger world. His preoccupation is who is the boss-his nanna at the marae, his older siblings, or any number of atua? His steadfast dad, his Pakeha mum, the \”leader of the free world\”, or Paku Manu Ariki himself? Paku Manu bumps up against authority, trying to reconcile the kind and just rules of nanna and the unjust power of leaders he sees every day on the TV.
Thoughtful, funny and confronting, Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapokai is about the hustle for belonging, and our place in the epic spiral of space, time and culture.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 52
Imprint: Gecko Press NZ
Publication date: 01/09/2023
Illustrator: Brown, Tokerau
Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapokai
By Michaela Keeble and Tokerau Brown
Review by Maia
This book is a collaboration between parent and child, about a brave, curious and confident young boy who takes pride in his name and asserts that others should do the same. Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapokai is wise beyond his (seven but nearly eight and a half) years and contemplates all the things he's learning about his world with sneaky wit and childhood optimism. This story is full of sweet and funny kids interpretations of te ao Maori and is a beautiful example of what childhood can look like when one is brought up knowing who they are and where they come from. Powerful, hilarious and profound with mesmerising illustrations - I loved it!!
