This bilingual children’s picture book in both Te Reo Māori and English tells the traditional Tauranga legend of three whales who beached themselves in Rangataua Bay.

The page layout features the story on one side with an illustration opposite. Each text page is easily readable against a white notepaper rectangle on a beautiful background of harakeke weaving which serves to balance and enhance the illustration opposite. Vibrantly coloured illustrations depict the story against the background of Tauranga moana. Stunning blues, greens and yellows have been used by the artist, the brushstrokes clearly visible which provides texture and movement. Cleverly executed, the pictures will appeal to children and are strong enough to tell the story on their own.

Throughout its production, kaumatua from Ngā Pōtiki were consulted about the story so their version of the legend was told exactly how they remember it. At the end of the story an information box tells more about he legend; “These are the whale mountains that are sacred to Ngā Pōtiki. At the base of Mangatawa and opposite Mangatawa Marae is the fresh water spring. The name of the spring is called Te Waiū of te Tohorā. At times the water flows milky white, and we remember the pod of whales that beached at Rangataua.” Some phrases and words translated from Māori to English can be found opposite, on the inside back cover, which adds to the usefulness of the book.

This softcover book is dedicated to Tauranga leader Awanuiārangi Black (1968-2016) and was launched at Tahuwhakatiki Marae in Welcome Bay on 16 May 2017. It was published by Ngā Pōtiki (a Tamapahore Trust) in conjunction with Inspired Kindergartens. Also involved in the production were Creative Bay of Plenty and Kale Print. The book is being supplied free to libraries and kindergartens throughout Tauranga moana.

My only criticism is that each sentence in Te Reo is followed by the English translation which breaks up the story somewhat. It would have made the story flow more if all the Te Reo text on a page was followed by all the English words together.

Altogether, a beautiful book, a taonga for Tauranga moana. Highly recommended. ( )