{"product_id":"riwia-and-the-stargazer-linda-tuhiwai-smith","title":"Riwia and the Stargazer | English Edition | Linda Tuhiwai Smith","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRiwia and the Stargazer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWritten By:\u003c\/strong\u003e Linda Tuhiwai Smith\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrated By:\u003c\/strong\u003e Isobel Joy Te Aho-White\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Book\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince her baby brother Tawa was born, he's been in hospital in Auckland — so Riwia and her parents have moved there too, living in their van, the Stargazer, while Mum stays close to Tawa and Dad works as a cook. It isn't always easy: the park can feel scary at night, but weekends at Aunty Sue's bring boil-ups, warm showers, and time together as a whānau. When Tawa grows sicker and dies, the family travels home to Te Teko for his tangi, and Riwia learns of the journey his spirit will take — joining the waka of stars that gathers the spirits of the dead, to shine on as one of the many lights of Matariki. Written with \u003cstrong\u003edeep tenderness and unflinching honesty\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is a story of grief, whānau, and the enduring comfort of remembrance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's Inside\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA gently illustrated picture book that follows Riwia's own perspective through hardship, loss, and healing, weaving in Māori tikanga around death, tangihanga, and Matariki as pathways for understanding grief. Part of the Whatumanawa Collection, a series of therapeutic storybooks exploring difficult childhood experiences with warmth and care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten for tamariki who are processing grief, loss of a sibling, or family hardship such as housing instability — and just as much for the adults supporting them. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and counsellors will find this a valuable tool for opening honest conversations with children about death and remembrance, grounded in Māori understandings of the journey of the spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLinda Tuhiwai Smith (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou) is Distinguished Professor at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. She is a leading scholar and researcher in indigenous studies, indigenous education, and kaupapa Māori research, and has written extensively in this field. She was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for her services to Māori and education.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Illustrator\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIsobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu) is a freelance graphic artist and illustrator. She studied design at the Whanganui School of Design and Massey University, and works across both digital and traditional media. Isobel specialises in symbolism and metaphor, with work influenced by mythology, folk tales, botanical illustration, and life experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePublisher\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHuia Publishers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe information provided at inspiremeonline.co.nz, including AI-assisted product descriptions, is for educational and informational purposes only. Metaphysical properties reflect traditional folklore and widely-shared belief rather than scientific or medical claims and are complementary practices and not a replacement for medical treatment or professional care. Always consult a qualified health professional for medical concerns.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bookreps","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54497910980918,"sku":"1867","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0075\/0872\/1735\/files\/Riwia_and_the_Stargazer_English_Edition_Linda_Tuhiwai_Smith.jpg?v=1788291196","url":"https:\/\/inspiremeonline.co.nz\/products\/riwia-and-the-stargazer-linda-tuhiwai-smith","provider":"Inspire Me Online","version":"1.0","type":"link"}