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Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea

On a beach clean-up, thirteen-year-old one-legged Charlie and his half-brother, Robbie, find a ponaturi – a mermaid – washed up on a beach. An ancient grudge between the Māori gods Tāne and Tangaroa has flared up because a port being built in the bay is degrading the ocean and creatures are fleeing the sea. This has reignited anger between the gods, which breaks out in storms, earthquakes and huge seas. The human world and realm of the gods are thrown into chaos.

The ponaturi believes Charlie is the only one who can stop the destruction because his stump is a sign that he straddles both worlds. So begins Charlie’s journey to find a way to reunite the gods, realise the power in the ancient songs his grandfather taught him, and discover why he was the one for the task.

Written by  T K Roxborogh

$25.00 incl. GST

2 in stock

Description

Supreme winner, the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adult, 2021
Winner, Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Junior Fiction Award, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adult, 2021.

For ages 8 +

Read a brief sample of Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea (PDF download)

Reviews

WhatBookNext.com ~ Chocka with action and brimming with Maoritanga, Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea is a riveting read! Strange mermaid type creatures, Maori gods and legends, Nature’s powerful forces, and authentic characters, serve a compelling kiwi tale. A strong environmental theme emerges, highlighting an immense problem around the world.

The imagery, power and traditions were beautiful, raw and chilling all at the same time as Charlie battles with all his might for all that he loves.

A glossary of Maori words and descriptions of the Maori gods add even more and understanding to this Aotearoa tale. Loved it!

About the Kiwi author

T K RoxboroghT K Roxborogh (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri) is an award-winning author of more than thirty published works, both fiction and non-fiction. Her latest publication Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea won the Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction and the supreme Margaret Mahy Book of the Year Award at the 2021 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. She teaches English and has been a writing mentor and judge for short stories and for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Additional information

Weight200 g
Dimensions21 × 13.8 cm
First published

2020

Format

Paperback edition

ISBN

978177550397

Page count

224

Published by

Huia Publishers

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