Īhaka and the Unexpected Visitor by Kirsty Wadsworth

On answering a knock at the door, young Īhaka is surprised to see Tāwhirimātea swirl in. The wind god is looking for a little lost cloud and enlists the help of Īhaka in the search. So off the pair go to check in with the gods Tangaroa, Tāne and Rūaumoko, none of whom have seen the little cloud. Dejected, the pair return to Īhaka's house and find that Īhaka's Mum has a good idea of where to look.

Wadsworth naturally intersperses te reo Māori into the English edition, allowing children to pick up key phrases and words easily. Sadly though, some tohutō (macrons) are missing, or added unnecessarily, from a number of words within the English edition. It's a shame, especially as the story is the Winner of the 2021 Joy Cowley Award, but hopefully this is corrected for future prints.

The book has also been translated into a te reo Māori edition by Pānia Papa, titled Ko Īhaka Me Te Manuwhiri I Puta Ohorere Mai. It includes a great rārangi kupu (glossary) of Māori words readers may not yet know.

Illustrator Zak Waipara brings his energy and signature-style to the pages. Waipara combines thick bold outlines with vibrant watercolour to bring the book to life.

An adventure story that introduces younger readers to Māori atua, Īhaka and the Unexpected Visitor is a fun original story.

Reviewed by Rebekah Lyell

Scholastic, RRP $19.99

NOTE - The publisher has assured us that the macron corrections will be made when next the book reprints.