He Reo Iti Noa Ahau

Written in te reo Māori this version is about a little boy who experiences family violence and physical abuse, and he turns inwards and is unable to express his feelings and sadness. Gradually, through the help of his nan, his cousin, his uncle, and a child psychologist he rebuilds his self-esteem and begins to find happiness again, and regains a sense of who he is and where he belongs. As he feels people’s love and their belief in him, his inner light warms and grows. He finds he can do things, feel joy again, and connect with people

Written by Linda Tuhiwai Smith
Illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White