What a delight to receive the Picture Book Award for Titiro / Look at the New Zealand Children and Young Adult book awards ceremony this August.
This board book by Gavin Bishop began life as a wordless leporello for babies and developed into a book of first words that takes te ao Māori as its starting point. We worked with Darryn Joseph on choosing words that mix familiar with unfamiliar, and make connections across the people, objects and ideas in the book.
“This deceptively simple, beautifully produced board book is an absorbing exploration of reo Māori and reo Pākehā. A representatively diverse whānau member and a favourite toy gaze out from each spread, inviting the reader to interact, ask questions, point, talk and learn.
“A mix of both common and surprising kupu is repeated and built upon in various contexts, enabling a deeply powerful learning experience. The vivid colour palette and bold, uncluttered images are perfect for pēpē and highlight connection with the people and toys that fill their world.
“Titiro / Look is a taonga of a board book from an acclaimed Aotearoa storyteller.” —judges’ citation, NZCYA book awards
With te wiki o te reo Māori coming soon, below is a reminder of the Gecko Press books in te reo Māori. We deeply appreciate the contribution of Darryn Joseph and Karena Kelly, whose names you will see repeatedly in the list below.
Titiro / Look by Gavin Bishop, trans. Darryn Joseph
This arresting board book of first words in both Māori and English pairs whānau and toys to show connections while building vocabulary.
Winner, Picture Book Award, NZ Children and Young Adults book awards
Taku Toa Mārika by Mario Ramos, trans. Karena Kelly
Ko au ko te whakawehi o te wao, te nanakia o te ngahere!
An enduringly popular picture book in which the big bad wolf gets an unexpected and satisfying taste of his own medicine.
Hineniwha me te Kaitiora by Joy Cowley, illus. Miho Satake, trans. Karena Kelly
One of New Zealand’s favourite picture books—this enduring tale of independence and family is an unconventional love story with a strong female lead and a pirate with a sensitive side.
Mihi by Gavin Bishop
This beautiful board book for every New Zealand baby introduces ideas of self and whānau within the shape of a simple mihi. Ko ahau tēnei.
The Listener, 50 Best Kids’ Books of 2020
Finalist NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults
Koro by Gavin Bishop, text by Darryn Joseph
In this warm board book about a day with grandad, the bond between koro and mokopuna is shown through big, beautiful images and simple text. Kai, kōrero, moe … ka toro ki a koro. Shortlisted New Zealand Book Design Awards
He rite a Miti ki a Pāpā by Éric Veillé, trans. Piripi Walker
A warm father and son story in which an irresistible lion cub proudly tries to be just like Pāpā.
There’s a lot packed into this little book: a game of copycat, hide and seek, emotional learning, and a father and son relationship—all this not often seen in board books.
Hoihoi Turituri by Soledad Bravi, trans. Ruia Aperahama
With over 100 pages, this unique board book is full of bright, bold illustrations and lots of noises to make—ka āuuuuu te wuruhi, ka koukou te ruru, ka ū ū ū te makimaki.
Ko Wai e Huna ana? by Satoru Onishi, trans. Paora Tibble
Eighteen fun-loving animals can be found on each question-posing page, sending readers into an upclose, attention-to-detail discovery. Children learn the names of animals, to recognise expressions, colours, and how to count.
Mā Wai e Hautū? by Leo Timmers, trans. Karena Kelly
A new play on the fable of the tortoise and the hare, this is a joyful interactive book for drivers of all ages.
“Such a powerful impact for such a small book!” The Sapling
Arewhana Hunahuna by David Barrow, trans. Karena Kelly
An internationally bestselling picture book about a boy and his elephant playing an absurd game of hide and seek. Otirā kia kaha koe—ka kino taku pai!
“Able to be enjoyed from beginner learners of te reo Māori to tamariki immersed in te reo.” Swings & Roundabouts
Te Hipo Huna by Juliette MacIver, ill. Sarah Davis, trans. Karena Kelly
Mei kore mātou ko aku hoa, ngā aruaru hipo toa!
This deft and delightful rhyming tale is perfect for confident speakers of te reo Māori and a great read aloud to groups of children.
Finalist NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults
