Te Kokorangi

I’ve really enjoyed this book as it relates to what we are learning at school. I found it really easy to read and follow and I enjoyed all of the beautiful pictures. I’m looking forward to taking this book to school for my teacher to read to the class as part of our learning about Matariki.

Ella (aged 8), Kidspot.co.nz

Who better to teach us through story than Witi Ihimaera? The Astromancer: The Rising of Matariki (Puffin, $25) is a new chapter book for readers of about 8 and up and is chock full of danger, heroes, old wisdom and new blood. . . . this is an action adventure story where we learn in the best way - by being thoroughly absorbed in a wonderful story.

Louise Ward, NZ Herald

Don’t be fooled – The Astromancer, which features arch-deceiver Ruatapu the Ravenous, is much more than the picture book it appears to be. What might have been a first chapter book becomes a lavishly illustrated story, with Isobel Te Aho-White’s alternating full-colour and graphic black-and-white pictures making the 10-chapter hardback perfect for classroom reading in the lead-up to Matariki.

Ann Packer, NZ Listener

The Astromancer. The Rising of Matariki, a new children’s book by Witi Ihimaera, one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed authors, is a spellbinding tale inspired by purakau, legendary Maori stories from ancient times. . . . Witi Ihimaera is a great storyteller. Te Kokorangi is based on an astromancer who lived long ago. But the children and Aria’s dog have come out of his own creative imagination. They make this story very relatable for children who will also be entranced by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White’s brilliant illustrations. Central to the story is the continuing battle of wills between Te Kokorangi and Aria who has suffered the trauma of being an orphan and having to fend for herself. It is only love and a sense of belonging that can heal her. At the beginning the boys stay in the background, but their strength and courage eventually shine through. The Astromancer: The Rising of Matariki is a great way for children to learn about Matariki, and how it is about so much more than simply gazing at the nine Matariki stars in the night sky. These ancient stories still have relevance for us today. They teach us about the need to respect and live in harmony with the spiritual and natural world. Friday June 24 will be a very special occasion, the first time Matariki will be a public holiday in New Zealand. The Astromancer. The Rising of Matariki would be a great book for families to read together as part of their Matariki celebrations.

Lynn Potter, NZ Booklovers

Christmas Book Guide for Kids 2022: One of our most celebrated writers, and most talented illustrators, put out this beautiful, lively Matariki story. With a gutsy heroine and high stakes this is a great one for the home library.

The Spinoff