Books are a fabulous way to teach kids about Matariki. Here are six stories we can recommend for Matariki.
Flit the Fantail and the Matariki Map
By: Kate Quin
Join Flit and his friends, Keri the kiwi and wise old Ruru, as they explore the night skies to work out how to capture a sparkling star. When the friends get lost, they follow the twinkling clues in the sky to find their way back home. A cute story with an insight into Matariki, that the kids will adore.
Promise of Puanga
By: Kirsty Wadsworth and Munro Te Whata
This adorable little book introduces readers to the star Puanga, which is celebrated for Maori New Year and the coming of winter in place of Matariki along parts of the West Coast of New Zealand.
Tawhirimatea: A Song for Matariki
By: Ngaere Roberts and Kat Merewether
Sing along to this catchy Matariki song celebrating Earth, sky, seasons and whanau. It’s our very own Aotearoa, from forest to seashore, dawn light to starry night.
Little Kiwi’s Matariki
By: Nikki Slade Robinson
The little Kiwi is fast asleep in her burrow. A beam of moonlight shines right down into her burrow. She wakes, and realises it is time. Join the little Kiwi and her friends for their Matariki experience.
Stolen Stars of Matariki
By: Miriama Kamo
In this beautiful debut by award-winning journalist Miriama Kamo, Grandma and Poua take the children eeling one magical and wild starry night, and they discover two stars missing from the Matariki cluster. Have the patupaiarehe been up to mischief again? You’ll have to read to find out.
Seven Kites of Matariki
By: Calico McClintock
It is a special time of year. A time when the whispering wind blows warm from the east, and a crescent moon rises in the wintry night sky. Seven little sisters make kites with eyes of seashells to celebrate the New Year. But that playfulwind whips those kites away… Matariki is here!
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