The River in our Backyard
Te Awa e Pātata Rawa Ana
Author: Malcolm Paterson
Illustrator: Martin Bailey
ISBN:978-1-99-004219-5
RRP: $22.99
Specs: 284 x 208 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour
Published: 17 October 2022
For Teacher Resource: click here
Continuing the successful series that connects kids with local heritage, in this fourth Sharing our Stories book Tui, cousin Jennifer and whānau go on a voyage of discovery into the history and nature of Auckland’s Te Atatū peninsula and the wider Waitematā Harbour.
The children learn about the impact humans have had on the river and ocean, how places got their names, and how their family friends Kōmako and Kumar help to conserve nature. Everyone then joins in the fun of Diwali, attending a local market and watching their friend Rani perform in a dance.
Martin Bailey’s vibrant artwork brings to life a story of connection that celebrates our shared heritage, with text in English and Māori along with words from the Tamil language.