Book Author & Illustrator Merryn Jones & Isobel Te Aho-White
Rights Available World excl. ANZ
Papatūānuku then said to Ranginui, ‘I need sunshine to grow my crops and trees.’
‘Mauri’ means ‘spirit’, and spirit infuses this story of how Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) and Ranginui (the Sky Father) care for our natural environment.
As Papatūānuku awakens, Ranginui asks their divine children to bring the rain,sunshine, wind and moonlight she needs to give life to the forests and creatures.
One by one the children present their gifts to nourish the Earth, bringing forth life and harmony. When Papatūānuku tires of her work, Hine-nui-te-pō (Goddess of the night) wraps her in her arms, saying: ‘All things are joined together as one.’
This beautifully illustrated picture book captures the spiritual essence of life on Earth.
About the Author
Merryn Jones (Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Ngāti Kahungunu, Pākehā) is a senior medical adviser who has a Diploma in Writing Stories for Children (with excellence) and is also a glass artist. In March 2026 Nightengale Books UK published her chapter book Spencer’s Speech, which tells about bravery, friendship and finding your voice. Merryn lives in Heretaunga/Hastings.
Isobel Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu, UK, Denmark) has won numerous awards for her illustration of children’s books, and authored her own first book in 2025. For Oratia Books she has illustrated Tōku Whānau Rerehua/My Beautiful Family and What’s in a Name?/ He aha tō te Ingoa? She lives in Te Whanganui-a Tara/Wellington.
Kanapu Rangitauira (Te Arawa, Ngāti Porou, Te Whakatōhea) is a registered translator and teacher of te reo Māori who has translated a number of Oratia’s children’s books. He lives with his whānau in Rotorua.
Publisher
Oratia Books
Extent
32 pp, colour
Format
270 x 210 mm portrait
Binding
Paperback
Category
Children’s
Genre
Picture Book
Publication Date
22 October 2026
Rights Available:
World excl. ANZ
Rights Agents:
World
Peter Dowling, Oratia Books
peter@oratia.co.nz
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