Interview: Kirsty Wadsworth talks about Talking Tukutuku

Kirsty Wadsworth lives in New Plymouth with her husband, two children and their cat, Pippin. When she’s not reading or writing, she works part-time as a primary school teacher and loves exploring the parks, museum, library and zoo with her family.

Kirsty’s other published books include The Promise of Puanga and Īhaka and the Unexpected Visitor, which was a winner of the Joy Cowley Award. Kirsty talks to NZ Booklovers about her new book.

Tell us a little about Talking Tukutuku.

Talking Tukutuku is about the importance of connecting with our family and where we come from. It tells the story of Hīnātore, a young girl visiting her marae for the weekend. She struggles to remember names, stories and meanings from her whakapapa, and so, one night the tukutuku panels in the wharenui come to life. Each one lights up and demonstrates its meaning to her. Inspired by the talking tukutuku, Hīnātore feels confident to pass on this knowledge to the rest of her whānau. 

What inspired you to write this book?

My husband, Manu, is a museum/library educator and runs a library programme for schools about tukutuku panels. He was looking for a picture book to support his teaching of the programme, but couldn’t find one, and so we both thought I should write one. Rather than writing a straight non-fiction book, I was inspired to put the meanings of the tukutuku into story form, since, as a school teacher, I have seen that stories help children to learn and remember things best. My husband now uses the book as a learning tool for his programme.

What research was involved?

While I knew many of the meanings of the tukutuku already, I talked with Manu and weaver Doreen Bennett to check that I was describing them accurately, as well as researching online. I also spoke with Manu and remembered conversations from tamariki about their own experiences on the marae, which helped give life to the exploits of Hīnātore and her cousins.

What was your routine or process when writing this book?

Knowing that it might be longer than an average picture book, I didn’t worry about word count or editing to begin with. I simply started writing, letting the words flow and writing whatever came to mind. Once the story was finished, it was definitely too long! So that’s when I went back to fact check all of my tukutuku descriptions and edit all the scenes.

How did you work with weaver Doreen Bennett and illustrator Zak Atea?

Working with these two was so enjoyable and humbling. Whaea Doreen is a master weaver, and I ensured that she was part of every step of the process. I sent her the entire story, including the fact page at the back, so she could verify the tukutuku meanings and descriptions. She also checked the illustrations to make sure they accurately depicted the patterns. Zak is such a wonderful illustrator, and I was so excited when her original line drawings came through. Her depictions of the characters and marae elements were beautiful, and I, along with the wonderful team at Scholastic, were able to comment and make suggestions throughout the process.

What did you enjoy the most about writing this children's book?

I really liked exploring the characters and the dynamics between them, as well as using my own experiences visiting various marae and listening to how the tamariki interact with each other to write their conversations. It was fun to write Ariki as the playful, slightly mischievous cousin and Māra as the one who eats all the fry bread!

What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?

In my family, we always celebrate achievements by going out to a meal and spending time together. One of our favourite places to go is Cobb n Co! 

What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?

I have read so many great books this year, but one of my favourites would have to be ‘Wrapping Things’ by Linda Burgess and illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper. It’s such a gentle, soft story about a young girl’s fondness for wrapping things while the story of her new little sister about to be born plays out in the background in the lovely, whimsical illustrations. It’s a great story for children about to become a big brother or sister.

What’s next on the agenda for you?

I am currently working on a chapter book for junior readers, tentatively titled ‘The Story Keeper’. I have been fortunate enough to be awarded a mentorship from the New Zealand Society of Authors to help complete this project, and I am working with the amazing Janice Marriott, who is providing me with lots of great advice. I also have another picture book in the works about a giant and his volcano friends. Watch this space! 

Scholastic New Zealand