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Te Kuia me te Pūngawerewere/The Kuia and the Spider

By Patricia Grace
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Brief Description
In Te Kuia me te Pūngawerewere/The Kuia and the Spider by Patricia Grace, a delightful tale unfolds, depicting the gentle rivalry between a kuia (elder woman) and a particularly talented spider. The kuia diligently spends her time weaving intricate mats and baskets, a craft imbued with... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In Te Kuia me te Pūngawerewere/The Kuia and the Spider by Patricia Grace, a delightful tale unfolds, depicting the gentle rivalry between a kuia (elder woman) and a particularly talented spider. The kuia diligently spends her time weaving intricate mats and baskets, a craft imbued with tradition and skill, while the spider crafts her delicate web in the corner of the kuia's cosy kitchen. Each believes their talent to be superior, leading them to seek the opinion of their respective grandchildren.

Patricia Grace's narrative is complemented beautifully by Robyn Kahukiwa's evocative illustrations, which bring the charming story to life. The lively illustrations capture the essence of the characters and the delicate artistry of their creations, celebrating the cultural heritage of New Zealand.

This bilingual edition, presented in both Māori and English, features the original translation by Hirini Melbourne. The use of both languages enriches the reader's experience, inviting them to appreciate and engage with Māori culture and language. The dual text format makes it not only a captivating read but also an educational resource, fostering bilingual literacy in a seamless and enjoyable manner.

One of the kuia's treasured verses reads:

Tēra tētahi kuia ko tana mahi he raranga whariki, raranga kete hoki. I te koko o tona kīhini e noho ana he pūngawerewere ko tana mahi he hanga whare tukutuku.

Translation:

Once there was a kuia who made mats and baskets. In the corner of her kitchen lived a spider who made webs.

Since its initial publication in 1981, Te Kuia me te Pūngawerewere/The Kuia and the Spider has cemented its status as a beloved classic in New Zealand literature. This heartwarming story, with its timeless message of friendship and respect for different talents, continues to enchant readers of all ages.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143775867

Publisher: Penguin Group (NZ)

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 August 2021

Country: New Zealand

Imprint: Puffin

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Robyn Kahukiwa

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 3.0mm

Width: 216.0mm

Height: 268.0mm

Weight: 158g

Pages: 32

Collections

Children's Books Children's Picture Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Kids Māori Language Books New Zealand and Australia Published New Zealand Children's Books New Zealand Published Patricia Grace Penguin Books Penguin Picks for Te Wiki o te Reo Maori Pukapuka Reo Māori (Māori Language)

About the Author

Patricia Grace (Author) Patricia Grace is one of New Zealand's most celebrated writers. She has published seven novels and seven short-story collections, as well as a number of books for children and works of non-fiction. Among numerous awards, her children's story The Kuia and the Spider won the Children's Picture Book of the Year and she has also won the New Zealand Book Awards For Children and Young Adults Te Kura Pounamu Award. She lives in Plimmerton. Robyn Kahukiwa (Illustrator) Robyn Kahukiwa (Ngati Porou) is a highly regarded New Zealand contemporary artist and award-winning author and illustrator of children's books. She is best known for her work drawing on Maori symbolism and mythological figures as well as for her staunch support of Maori women's rights. She has written and illustrated over a dozen books and in 2011 Kahukiwa was awarded Te Tohu Toi Kē a Te Waka Toi/Making a Difference Award for her contribution to Maori arts. Hirini (Syd) Melbourne (Translator) Hirini Melbourne (1949-2003) of Ngai Tūhoe and Ngati Kahungunu was an internationally acclaimed performing artist and composer, and a tohunga of making and playing traditional Maori instruments. He was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003 for services to Maori language, music and culture and posthumously inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame in 2009.

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