He Reo Iti Noa Ahau

Written by Linda Tuhiwai Smith | illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White

This pukapuka is part of The Whatumanawa Collection by Huia Publishers, helping tamariki process trauma, hardship, and grief.

There is also an English version called I Am A Little Voice.

A little boy experiences family violence and physical abuse, and he turns inwards and is unable to express his feelings and sadness. Gradually, through the help of his nan, his cousin, uncle and a child psychologist he rebuilds his self-esteem and begins to find happiness again and regains a sense of who he is and where he belongs. As he feels people’s love and their belief in him, his inner light warms and grows. He finds he can do things, feel joy again and connect with people.