The Grandmothers of Pikitea Street

Book Author & Illustrator  Renisa Viraj Maki & Nikki Slade Robinson
Rights Available World excl. NZ & Australia

Scents of lemongrass, garam masala, baking and smoked meat drifted down the street as the children’s grandmothers made food for their lunchboxes.

Māori, Ethiopian, Samoan, NZ European, Indian and Chinese grandmothers share traditional stories and recipes with their grandkids as they get ready for bed — explaining how the food will benefit the kids at school the next day.

The grandmothers aren’t cooking only for the children, but also making dishes for their monthly gathering at one of their homes, where they continue to share their dishes and stories across cultural boundaries.

Awards
Storylines Notable Picture Book 2022

About the Author
Renisa Viraj Maki is a Kiwi-Indian consultant and artist dedicated to writing stories that reflect cultural diversity. She lives in Auckland.

Nikki Slade Robinson is an award-winning illustrator and author who has published numerous children’s books; she lives in Ōpotiki.