Not only is this picture book fun to read in the style of ‘This is the house that Jack Built’, it works backwards – going through the stages that are needed to make the piupiu (girl’s flax skirts worn in the kapa haka.)

Then of course you have the kaiako who teaches the children the waiata to the girls. The boys hold their taiaha proudly, and it all comes together on stage as their whanau cheer and clap.

A simple glossary of Maori words is in the back of the book, helping young children learn more te reo. The  colour illustrations are clear and glowing with positivity as each member involved enjoys the whole journey of kapa haka.

Author – Angie Belcher

Illustrator – Debbie Tipuna

Picture Book

(Maori, Te Reo, New Zealand, NZ, Fun, Learning, Singing, Dancing, Performing, Dance)