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Hush: A Kiwi Lullaby
Hush, little baby, and go to sleep, Mama's going to give you a woolly sheep...
Regarded by some as the mother of children's publishing in New Zealand, it is fitting that Joy Cowley has penned this warm hearted Kiwi version of a traditional lullaby, with words in both English and te reo Maori. From sheep to kowhai flowers, and from paua shells to silver ferns, this special picture book will be a treasured addition to any home library. Stunningly illustrated by Andrew Burdan with pictures that could easily grace the walls of any art lover's home.
Regarded by some as the mother of children's publishing in New Zealand, it is fitting that Joy Cowley has penned this warm hearted Kiwi version of a traditional lullaby, with words in both English and te reo Maori. From sheep to kowhai flowers, and from paua shells to silver ferns, this special picture book will be a treasured addition to any home library. Stunningly illustrated by Andrew Burdan with pictures that could easily grace the walls of any art lover's home.
21 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
7 people want to read
About the author
Joy Cowley
1,494 books103 followersCassia Joy Cowley is a New Zealand author best known for her children's fiction, including the popular series of books Mrs. Wishy-Washy.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 6, 2016
As author Joy Cowley explains, “I had no idea a few words could turn into such a beautiful book.” She pays tribute to illustrator Andrew Burdan, who took her words and created double page spreads that lift each rhyming couplet to a new level, and add atmosphere and poignancy to what will become a much loved Kiwi lullaby.
'Hush little baby, and go to sleep, Mama's going to give you a woolly sheep' is backed with soft lilacs, while the following couplet is backed with soft through to intense blues, such appropriate night time colours: 'And if that woolly sheep won't baa, Mama's going to give you a wishing star.'
Translated into Te reo Māori by Ngaere Roberts, these pages each have a dominant colour, together with symbols of Aotearoa such as tui, kowhai, and silver fern to surround each illustration. Sung by June Pitman-Hayes, the CD in English and Maori will become a favourite.
This book should be gifted to all new parents who will enjoy the soothing lyrics as much as the baby will. Rest time at Kōhanga reo or playcentre will be changed forever!
In this book targetting newborns to three year olds, Joy Cowley has adapted a traditional lullaby to fit New Zealand, its taonga, and its icons. Scholastic are on to a winner with the talents they have linked to one of New Zealand's foremost writers.
Reviewed by Chris Wright (Bookrapt)
http://www.bookrapt.org.nz/reviews/20...
'Hush little baby, and go to sleep, Mama's going to give you a woolly sheep' is backed with soft lilacs, while the following couplet is backed with soft through to intense blues, such appropriate night time colours: 'And if that woolly sheep won't baa, Mama's going to give you a wishing star.'
Translated into Te reo Māori by Ngaere Roberts, these pages each have a dominant colour, together with symbols of Aotearoa such as tui, kowhai, and silver fern to surround each illustration. Sung by June Pitman-Hayes, the CD in English and Maori will become a favourite.
This book should be gifted to all new parents who will enjoy the soothing lyrics as much as the baby will. Rest time at Kōhanga reo or playcentre will be changed forever!
In this book targetting newborns to three year olds, Joy Cowley has adapted a traditional lullaby to fit New Zealand, its taonga, and its icons. Scholastic are on to a winner with the talents they have linked to one of New Zealand's foremost writers.
Reviewed by Chris Wright (Bookrapt)
http://www.bookrapt.org.nz/reviews/20...
August 14, 2020
Another stunner
May 11, 2016
Oh my, this is gorgeous. A classic tune to look at classic kiwi birds, animals and artifacts. I found the wording and rhythm creative, and the tone of the book - words and pictures - perfect for late night cuddles.
What topped this off for me was the Maori text. Same great rhythm, same lovely tone, but the added benefit of really honouring the treasures of Aotearoa through language as well. All over a beautiful read.
What topped this off for me was the Maori text. Same great rhythm, same lovely tone, but the added benefit of really honouring the treasures of Aotearoa through language as well. All over a beautiful read.
May 14, 2015
Awful! I like the lullaby, 'and if that bird, don't fly, Mummas going to buy you a ...".
But this is grim - saccharine doesn't cover it, and the rhyme doesn't work. Just an example "swim" and "tui" are meant to rhyme? In what accent???
Also the semantics aren't great either.
It does Joy Cowley's reputation no honour.
Could be my worst book of the year?
But this is grim - saccharine doesn't cover it, and the rhyme doesn't work. Just an example "swim" and "tui" are meant to rhyme? In what accent???
Also the semantics aren't great either.
It does Joy Cowley's reputation no honour.
Could be my worst book of the year?
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews