Ka Wehi Au ki ngā Wenerei

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 Don't Like Wednesdays.

This pukapuka is about a young boy learning to cope with his grief after his older brother, Apa, dies on a Wednesday. The boy was very close with Apa, and his death leaves the boy with a mix of feelings and lots of questions. With the help of his community, family and school, the boy begins to understand his brother’s suicide, and his own emotions. The story gently explores the challenging situation in an understated manner, with simple language and from the boy’s perspective in a way that children will understand. It shows how relationships and connections to those around us support us and can help us find ways to manage difficult times.