November 2 marks the date Rebecca Larsen local Papamoa Author/Illustrator and her
crew launch their second book Tāne Mahuta has a forest. Paper Plus Te Puke are to host
the event starting at 3.30pm, with the whole team including her publisher, Bill Honeybone
from Imagination Press attending to celebrate.
A special performance is also being planned by Tania Solomona, Deputy Principal and
Team leader for the Reo Rua/Bilingual classes at Arataki School. Kopukairoa is the
bilingual unit at Arataki School, and they became involved in the author's journey with her
first book Row, row, row your waka before it was published. Rebecca began working with
Tania for support with cultural aspects and the reo.
Tania invited Rebecca to share her story with the tamariki and they loved it. It inspired
many of the reluctant writers to write their own books. Rebecca explained the journey she
was going on, how she wrote the book for her own tamariki, how she drew the pictures,
what she had to do to find a publisher and of course she shared the book. The tamariki
were inspired, and they loved the book. Their reaction was quite amazing.
Kopukairoa is very proud to be involved in the launch of the second book and look forward
to again turning the song into a play. This term the tamariki are inquiring into how to share
their culture through performances, and this is a great opportunity for them to express that.
This time, the tamariki of Kopukairoa are included in the dedications, so that is quite
special. They love seeing their name in print. The tamariki are going to choose what roles
they want – backstage, actors, singers, narrators and the performance will be in front of
the whole school and whānau at the school hui on Friday 9, November.
Rebecca invites children, parents and grandparents to come along to one of her public
events where there will be the opportunity to learn the waiata, the actions and purchase an
author signed copy.
Friday 2 Nov 10.30am Te Puke Library
Friday 2 Nov 3.30pm Te Puke Paper Plus
Friday 9 Nov 3.30pm Papamoa Paper Plus
Tuesday 13 Nov 10.30am Tauranga Library
Thursday 15 Nov 10.30am Mount Maunganui Library
Wednesday 21 Nov 10.30am Greerton Library
Wednesday 28 Nov 10.30am Papamoa Library
Rebecca will be available for a few local school or pre-school visits. Get in touch with her
through her website or social media accounts. @authorrebeccalarsen or
#rowyourwaka #authorrebeccalarsen #tanemahuta #aratakischool
