Notes

Linda Tuhiwai Smith ; illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White.

30 unnumbered pages :

colour illustrations.
Also available in Te reo as: Ko Te Wai, ko Tama me te marama.
Summary: 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 whanau, her community and Tama. This story is part of a series about aroha and about nurturing the resilience of children who have experienced something traumatic. It is a kaupapa Māori story that reinforces the foundations for aroha and resilience that reside within Māori values. Includes activity notes for starting conversations with children about the issues raised in this story. (Publisher)