Ko Te Wai, ko Tama, me te Marama

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 Te Wai, Tama and the Moon

Te Wai’s mum is seriously ill, and Tama’s mum struggles to make ends meet, but Te Wai’s got a big imagination and is determined to make the day better. The friends plan a trip to the moon, and they wait at the bus stop for the spaceship. Each time the bus arrives, someone they know gets off, and they share something to eat with the children while they wait, and Tama and Te Wai help them with the steps and heavy bags. That evening, Aunty Cherrie takes them in her little red ‘spaceship’ car to look at the stars and tells them how people’s spirits become stars when they die. Te Wai understands this will not be long for her mum. Some days later, her tangi takes place, and Te Wai is surrounded by the caring support of her whānau, her community and Tama.