Singer-songwriter June Pitman-Hayes brings readers a story told in both English and Māori that celebrates literal family trees from a diverse range of children.
From pōhutukawa to olive, flowering cherry to apple, trees of all types - and the different types of families that grow beneath them - are celebrated in this new book.
Written as a song, available for downloading, Pitman-Hayes story is catchy and easy to learn. The song is available in both English and te reo Māori, as well as an instrumental version making it an especially valuable resource for early childhood centres and primary schools.
The song has been translated into te reo Māori by Kawiti Waetford (Ngāti Hine, Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi) and it's just as catchy as the English version. Waetford is an opera singer as well as a reo Māori expert, so everything comes together for a stellar translation that doesn't lose the entertainment value. For those learning te reo Māori, singing and following along with the book is a great way to learn. There is a handy glossary at the back of the book too, for those looking to grow their vocab.
Illustrator Minky Stapleton creates charming artwork, with fun, friendship and diversity bursting from the pages. There's some lovely little touches within the artwork - showing generations growing up beneath the branches, to different cultures and abilities, as well as some sneaky references to past collaborations between Pitman-Hayes and Stapleton.
This is another fun collaboration, perfectly pitched to younger readers, that celebrates families and community.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
Scholastic