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In Māori tradition, Papatūānuku is the land. She is a mother earth figure who gives birth to all things, including people. Trees, birds and people are born from the land, which then nourishes them. Some traditions say that the land first emerged from under water.
Reviews
Maria Gill, KidsBooksNZ ~ While working on an art project at New Lynn School, Kate Parker recorded the voices of her students. The children spoke honestly about their worries for the planet. They wanted adults to realise the Earth is changing and to stop harming it. They also hoped other children would hear their ideas and help create a more love-filled, joy-filled world.
The book shares these heartfelt messages in the children’s own words. As Kavi, age 8, writes: “Nature is not just the plants and trees, nature is the ENERGY of the EARTH.”
Alongside the words are stunning illustrations, featuring what appear to be layered cut-outs, a technique Parker also used in Kōwhai and the Giants. The colours are vibrant, sprinkled with sparkles, and filled with native wildlife and wild-haired children bursting with hope and energy.
In the final double-page spreads, readers can learn more about the animals featured in the book. Another spread encourages practical action, followed by a heartfelt thank you to those who supported the project, including Creative New Zealand and the Waitākere Local Board. Kate is donating 10% of the book’s profits to the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.
This is a gentle yet powerful book — one that reminds us that children are listening, watching, and thinking deeply about the world they will inherit. It invites us not to wait for superheroes, but to stand up ourselves.
Written by Kate Parker
