Once there was darkness. Nothing… no time or space…

The darkness becomes night and then more. The land – Papatūānuku and the sky Ranginui came to be.

Holding tight to each other, there was no light. When their babies arrive one by one they become gods. These gods want more, and they demand it, forcing their parents apart.

Beginning with sombre dark pages with dark grey text in both English and te reo, this sophisticated picture book retells the Maori creation story of Ranginui and Papatūānuku’s. The reader watches journey into being and their separation by their god children, demanding more of their world.

Each turn of the page displays a double page spread getting gradually lighter as the gods discuss and debate their own wishes. Finally the decision is made and blood is spilt.

The text of the story curls around powerful images on the page and within the illustrations.

A stunning sophisticated Picture Book. 

Author / Illustrator – Mat Tait

Sophisticated Picture Book

10+

(2022, Allen & Unwin, Creation story, NZ, New Zealand, Aotearoa, Ranginui, Papatūānuku, Sky Father, Earth Mother, Gods, In the Beginning, Tāne Mahuta, Rongomātāne, Haumiatikitike, Tāwhirimātea, Māori)