Te Kokorangi is a renowned Astromancer (one who studies the stars). She is travelling among villages, looking for apprentices to her vital craft. She has chosen three but the last choice is proving to be difficult. At last, at the bark of a dog, Te Kokorangi decides on its owner, a girl named Ariā.

Ariā insists on her dog coming too, and they are soon on their way to where they will begin their apprenticeships – Pekerangi Mountain. The three boys, Tahi, Iwihoia and Mākura are keen to learn, but Ariā is sullen and challenging in her silence.

Their lessons continue right from Te Kore when there was nothing, to Tāwhirimātea tearing out his own eyes and flinging them at the sky, to the genealogy for every star cluster. Te Kokorangi teaches her apprentices more and more, as her guardsman and his warriors protect them as they learn. After all, if they let their guard down, invaders looking for food and slaves can attack anytime, anywhere.

One of these invaders had left Ariā an orphan many years before, leaving her to grow up relying on only herself and her dog. Te Kokorangi needs more patience with Ariā out of all her apprentices, teaching her not only astromancy but life lessons.

When Ariā ignores Te Kokorangi’s firm instructions in the middle of an important ritual, she puts lives at stake, including her own, but when an even worse fate falls upon them, it is sullen, stubborn Ariā that the boys and their new tribe must rely on. Will she step up to the challenge of her life?

The Astromancer is a stunning new illustrated story for children about the tradition and mythology of Matariki. Not only is it an exciting retelling of this important part of the Maori calendar, it is a story about four children who must step up and become heroes. One of these children is a girl who has faced much adversity and must rise above it.

The character of the Astromancer is a wise, guiding voice throughout and her teachings of Matariki clear and interesting. The Astromancer may be a story for children, but as an adult who does not know a lot about Matariki I learnt along with her apprentices.

Beautiful illustrations are in both black and white line drawings and full colour double page spreads, depicting the action in the sky and on land.

This magnificent melding of one of NZ’s most awarded authors and a very talented illustrator, is a book for every home and school around Aotearoa.

Author – Witi Ihimaera

Illustrator – Isobel Joy Te Aho-White

Age – 6+

(2022, Penguin NZ, New Zealand, Aotearoa, Fantasy, Animals, Dog, Blended Family, Courage, Bravery, Greed, Attack, Grief, Growing Up, Māori, Legend, Mythology, Gods, Heroes, Sky, Stars, Astrology, Calendar, Apprentice, Learning, Study, Orphan)