Inspired by kai gathering on beaches on either side of Okurei Point near Maketū, readers can wriggle and shuffle along with Mumma and Bubs as they gather pipi for their whānau.
Author Angie Belcher, a writer and a teacher, takes something so many of us know and love, and turns it into a sweet rhyming story.
Fortunately, the rhyme is perfect, bouncing along without sacrificing the story. It's a satisfying story to read aloud too, and younger readers will be able to join in with the pipi dance.
I loved the use of te reo Māori within the book, with everyday words used within the story without translation. There is a te reo Māori version of the book, Te Pīkari Pipi, available too for those more confident with the reo.
Belcher also effortlessly weaves in Māori concepts, particularly manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga. She shows how kai is an important part of culture with the gathering, preparing and sharing of kai showing hospitality and respect, while also encompassing the values and importance of protection of natural resources within the story.
There are lots of little gems to look for and love within the story too; the importance of intergenerational knowledge, other sea creatures you might encounter while doing a pipi shuffle, what the family dog is up to on the beach.
Illustrator Lily Uivel nails the artwork, with beautiful muted hues, energetic characters that match the story, and plenty of little details to draw readers in. The setting Uivel has created will be instantly familiar to most New Zealand readers, with familiar coastal scenes harking back to long summer days. There's a sprinkling of uniquely New Zealand icons, from harakeke to baches, to toetoe and pounamu.
Pipi Dance is a charming story that takes something so simple and turns it into a delightful read for all.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
Scholastic