> Skip to content

Article  •  29 June 2023

 

Books for Matariki

Looking for some books about Matariki to share with your family?

Looking for some books about Matariki to share with your whanau?

Astromancer 1: The Astromancer Witi Ihimaera, Isobel Joy Te Aho-White

A lively story with stunning illustrations that reveals the tradition of Matariki, from beloved literary statesman Witi Ihimaera and rising creative star Isobel Joy Te Aho-White.

This is the story of a dramatic attack and a battle of wills, woven around details of the Maori lunar calendar -  The Astromancer is great for primary school kids and for whanau looking for books to read together.

Buy now

Te Kōkōrangi 1: Te Kōkōrangi Witi Ihimaera, Isobel Joy Te Aho-White

E kimi ana a Te Kokorangi i etahi pia hou tokowha hei ako i nga korero o Matariki me te maramataka. Kowhiria ana etahi tama tokotoru, me tetahi kotiro, he pani, ko Aria te ingoa. Tohe ana a Aria kia haere ano ko tana kuri haunga i tona taha. Ka ahua hoha a Aria i nga akoranga, kaore hoki ia e pai kia tohutohungia ia.

Engari kua noho morearea te iwi. Taihoa pea ratou ka tino raru i a Ruatapu Te Pukurua. Ae ranei ma Aria ano te iwi e whakaora?

Buy now

Matariki Gavin Bishop

An absolutely visually stunning bilingual board book explaining the meaning of each Matariki star, with beautiful artwork by talented, award-winning children’s book creator, Gavin Bishop.

A vital book for all of Aotearoa, sharing knowledge about this important part of te ao Maori makes Matariki perfect for tamariki aged 0-5 years.

Buy now

Wawata - Moon Dreaming Dr Hinemoa Elder

Dr Hinemoa Elder, author of Aroha, New Zealand's top-selling non-fiction title of 2021, shows us how to reclaim intimacy with others, with ourselves, and with our planet using the energies of Hina, the Maori moon.

Buy now

Matariki The Maori New Year Libby Hakaraia

This book is an introduction to the star group Matariki. Known in other cultures by names including the Pleiades and the Seven Sisters, Matariki marks the beginning of the Maori calendar, and its rising before the sun in late May or early June was greeted with great festivals. 

For those who wish to, there are suggestions on how to celebrate this Maori New Year - and, most importantly, a guide to finding Matariki in the night sky.

Buy now

More features

See all
Article
A Guide to Waitohu Journal

Nau mai ki Waitohu! Read on to learn about Hinemoa Elder's inspiration behind Waitohu, and how to use this special journal.

Article
Empowering books for the New Year

If you're looking for some fresh inspiration and insight as you ring in the new year, look no further! These books could be just what you're after.

News
2023 Storylines Notable Books List

The highest quality books in five genres published between August 2022 and November 2023.

News
2023 New Zealand Book Design Awards Winners!

The 2023 PANZ Book Design Awards Winners have been announced!

News
2023 New Zealand Book Design Awards Shortlist

Design awards celebrate the beauty of physical books

Article
15 of the best vampire books to add to your TBR

Discover some of the best vampire books – from paranormal to gothic and beyond.

Article
10 debut authors share where the ideas for their first novels came from

Learn about the inspiration behind debut authors’ first novels.

Article
Calling all Lottie Brooks fans!

Do you know a young reader who loves the Lottie Brooks series? We want to hear from them!

Article
Jacinda Ardern to appear at NZ writers festival events

Penguin Random House is delighted to announce that Jacinda Ardern will be doing three book events in New Zealand in April and May.

Article
Books for reluctant readers post-Percy Jackson

They've closed the final Percy Jackson book. Now what?

Article
The best graphic novels for reluctant readers

Graphic novels are the perfect way to get disinterested readers to pick up a book.

Article
Books to keep older kids entertained this Easter long weekend

Easter is coming up, and once the novelty of chocolate wears off, older kids still need something to sink their teeth into.

Looking for more articles?

See all articles