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Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea
On a beach clean-up, thirteen-year-old one-legged Charlie and his half-brother, Robbie, find a ponaturi – a mermaid – washed up on a beach. An ancient grudge between the Māori gods Tane and Tangaroa has flared up because a port being built in the bay is degrading the ocean and creatures are fleeing the sea. This has reignited anger between the gods, which breaks out in storms, earthquakes and huge seas. The human world and realm of the gods are thrown into chaos. The ponaturi believes Charlie is the only one who can stop the destruction because his stump is a sign that he straddles both worlds. So begins Charlie’s journey to find a way to reunite the gods, realise the power in the ancient songs his grandfather taught him, and discover why he was the one for the task.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2020
About the author
T.K. Roxborogh
17 books55 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Tania Roxborogh.
T. K. Roxborogh lives in New Zealand and has been a teacher since 1989. She is the author of over thirty-five published works across a range of genres: novels, plays for the classroom, Shakespearean texts, English grammar books and adult non-fiction. She teaches English at a secondary school, writes and reads at every opportunity and, with her husband, runs around after her family – both the two- and four-legged kind. Roxborogh loves watching movies and TV shows, and staying in her pyjamas for as long as possible.
T. K. Roxborogh lives in New Zealand and has been a teacher since 1989. She is the author of over thirty-five published works across a range of genres: novels, plays for the classroom, Shakespearean texts, English grammar books and adult non-fiction. She teaches English at a secondary school, writes and reads at every opportunity and, with her husband, runs around after her family – both the two- and four-legged kind. Roxborogh loves watching movies and TV shows, and staying in her pyjamas for as long as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 3, 2022
If you're looking for a great read for the reluctant readers in your school then here is my advice. Get hold of several copies of this, read it yourself, then thrust it at your reluctants and talk about it with them. Charlie is a wonderful character, he is kind and warm, he is determined and he knows what the right thing to do is, even when his elders are telling him to do something else.
Charlie lives with his mum, granddad and step-brother Robbie. One day they find a sea creature washed up on the beach, she is a kind of mermaid, a Pō-nuia a mythical being. Together Charlie, Robbie and Grandad rescue her and thus unleash a series of events that will forever change them.
This book weaves Māori mythology into everyday life in the most wonderful way. Seamlessly you learn about the Māori creation story, you learn about the war between the brothers Tangaroa and Tāne. Sprinkled throughout the book are Te Reo words and ideas and it just works. I have to say I'm skeptical about books like this they need to be really well written to work and this one totally is. I'm so delighted. I can think of about 12 kids I'd like to share this book with. Nice job Tania, a fantastic winner of the Children's Book of the Year. More please just like this one.
Charlie lives with his mum, granddad and step-brother Robbie. One day they find a sea creature washed up on the beach, she is a kind of mermaid, a Pō-nuia a mythical being. Together Charlie, Robbie and Grandad rescue her and thus unleash a series of events that will forever change them.
This book weaves Māori mythology into everyday life in the most wonderful way. Seamlessly you learn about the Māori creation story, you learn about the war between the brothers Tangaroa and Tāne. Sprinkled throughout the book are Te Reo words and ideas and it just works. I have to say I'm skeptical about books like this they need to be really well written to work and this one totally is. I'm so delighted. I can think of about 12 kids I'd like to share this book with. Nice job Tania, a fantastic winner of the Children's Book of the Year. More please just like this one.
October 27, 2022
A good middle school action story where a young boy faces off against the gods. Lots to enjoy with interesting characters and a likeable hero.
October 7, 2020
Charlie has grown up not knowing much about his father who disappeared at sea when he was younger. He does know that he feels at home in water though. He lives with his mum, his brother and his grandfather in Tolaga Bay. While exploring the beach one day Charlie and Robbie find what they believe is a mermaid. They rescue her and take her home, and Charlie discovers that he can communicate with her. Pō-nuia is a ponaturi, a sea goblin, who is trying to flee from Tangaroa’s domain, the sea. Pō-nuia tells Charlie that he is special and that his missing leg is a sign. Tangaroa doesn’t care about this though. He just wants revenge on Tāne for the careless actions of humans who pollute his domain. He will send Rūaumoko with earthquakes and Tāwhirimātea with winds, rain and hail to punish Tāne and his people. It’s up to Charlie, with the help of Robbie and Jenny, to make the gods see sense and end their squabble before it’s too late.
Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea is an action-packed adventure story that had me hooked from the first page. This is quite simply one of the best Kiwi children’s stories set in New Zealand. Personally, this is now my favourite New Zealand fiction book for kids. It is such a fantastic read that I read the whole thing in a day and was reluctant to put it down to spend time with my family.
Tania’s writing is superb and she sweeps you up in the story straight away. You can feel the tension in the air and the sense of impending doom, so you just need to keep reading to find out what happens. Charlie’s voice is so authentic. He feels like your best friend talking to you and telling you the story. Charlie has a disability but he doesn’t let this rule his life. He is thrown into the middle of this fight between the gods but is determined to make things right. All of the characters are nicely developed, from Charlie’s brother, Robbie, to their new friend Jenny, and their grandfather. Tania has also woven an environmental theme through the story, with Tangaroa being angry because of the way humans pollute his domain. Charlie and Robbie regularly try to clean up the beach but there’s also mention of whales being washed up and dying because of the plastic inside them. Jenny’s father is over from America checking up on the new port that is being built and the characters talk about the affect on the oceans being just as much from logging and transporting the logs as an oil spill.
The book has a real New Zealand feel to it, from the landscape of Tolaga Bay that Tania conjures up in your head, to the wildlife that inhabit the domains of Tāne and Tangaroa, and the Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori that is an integral part of the story. Te Reo Māori is used throughout the story in such a way that those with a basic knowledge of the language will recognise some words but also learn new words. Waiata play an important role in the story and Charlie’s grandfather has taught them to him since he was very young. Māori gods wreak havoc in the story, with Tāne, Tangaroa and Tāwhirimātea going head to head. I really liked the way that the gods manifest in the story, using the aspects of their domains (birds or the ocean) to show their physical form.
Phoebe Morris’ cover is stunning and really draws you in. I’m a huge fan of Phoebe’s illustrations and they are such a perfect fit with the story. I have to admit to not even noticing Charlie’s leg until it was mentioned part way into the story.
I implore everyone to read this book! I will be recommending it to everyone and encouraging both kids and teachers to read it. It would be a perfect read aloud for Years 6-8 because it would hook every kid. Thank you Tania for writing this story and to Huia for publishing it. We need more stories like this for our tamariki.
Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea is an action-packed adventure story that had me hooked from the first page. This is quite simply one of the best Kiwi children’s stories set in New Zealand. Personally, this is now my favourite New Zealand fiction book for kids. It is such a fantastic read that I read the whole thing in a day and was reluctant to put it down to spend time with my family.
Tania’s writing is superb and she sweeps you up in the story straight away. You can feel the tension in the air and the sense of impending doom, so you just need to keep reading to find out what happens. Charlie’s voice is so authentic. He feels like your best friend talking to you and telling you the story. Charlie has a disability but he doesn’t let this rule his life. He is thrown into the middle of this fight between the gods but is determined to make things right. All of the characters are nicely developed, from Charlie’s brother, Robbie, to their new friend Jenny, and their grandfather. Tania has also woven an environmental theme through the story, with Tangaroa being angry because of the way humans pollute his domain. Charlie and Robbie regularly try to clean up the beach but there’s also mention of whales being washed up and dying because of the plastic inside them. Jenny’s father is over from America checking up on the new port that is being built and the characters talk about the affect on the oceans being just as much from logging and transporting the logs as an oil spill.
The book has a real New Zealand feel to it, from the landscape of Tolaga Bay that Tania conjures up in your head, to the wildlife that inhabit the domains of Tāne and Tangaroa, and the Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori that is an integral part of the story. Te Reo Māori is used throughout the story in such a way that those with a basic knowledge of the language will recognise some words but also learn new words. Waiata play an important role in the story and Charlie’s grandfather has taught them to him since he was very young. Māori gods wreak havoc in the story, with Tāne, Tangaroa and Tāwhirimātea going head to head. I really liked the way that the gods manifest in the story, using the aspects of their domains (birds or the ocean) to show their physical form.
Phoebe Morris’ cover is stunning and really draws you in. I’m a huge fan of Phoebe’s illustrations and they are such a perfect fit with the story. I have to admit to not even noticing Charlie’s leg until it was mentioned part way into the story.
I implore everyone to read this book! I will be recommending it to everyone and encouraging both kids and teachers to read it. It would be a perfect read aloud for Years 6-8 because it would hook every kid. Thank you Tania for writing this story and to Huia for publishing it. We need more stories like this for our tamariki.
August 11, 2021
Loved this beautiful tale about a boy taking on Maōri gods. The old tales were beautifully interlaced with the plot and I appreciated the environmental aspect too. Highly recommend it.
July 9, 2021
Very enjoyable, fairly fast faced novel for middle graders - my year 5/6s are certainly reserving this in numbers after my book talk, I’ll be interested to hear their verdicts once they’ve read it. I sold it as a Percy Jackson type scenario but with Maori Gods and they too liked the glossary in the back and brief descriptions of the main God characters. I really hope there will be more and I’m so glad to see this kind of work being available.
November 20, 2020
This was such a fun, whirlwind adventure, perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and any of the Rick Riordan Presents series. Filled with vibrant characters and fast-paced tension, the story follows Charlie as he, his brother, and his grandfather become embroiled in a conflict between the Māori gods of the sea, land, and weather. As Charlie fights to protect his home and the mysterious ponaturi (sea goblin) who has washed up on shore, he learns about his past and finds a strength he never knew he had.
August 15, 2021
Books with Aotearoa-based magic systems have finally started to appear! And good ones!
My 10 y/o self would have LOVED this. I really liked it, but had a couple of issues stopping me from feeling five-star-ish.
Still, a really really good book.
My 10 y/o self would have LOVED this. I really liked it, but had a couple of issues stopping me from feeling five-star-ish.
Still, a really really good book.
Read
August 22, 2021I grabbed this from the school library mainly because I follow the author on Twitter, but also because I am always on the lookout for NZ books that might be good to read to my class. It subsequently won the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year. It is a little too "old" for my class, but it would be fine for year 5 and up.
I enjoyed it. Charlie is a likeable hero and you are cheering him on every step of the way. It would make a great movie for kids - maybe Taika Waititi could find some room in his busy schedule?
I enjoyed it. Charlie is a likeable hero and you are cheering him on every step of the way. It would make a great movie for kids - maybe Taika Waititi could find some room in his busy schedule?
October 21, 2022
"Once, Grandad told me that bravery wasn’t swimming with the sharks but being willing to get in the water to help those who were."
Fantastic middle grade / intermediate read - Maaori lore (think Percy Jackson in Aotearoa / New Zealand), environmentalism, disability representation ... this needs to be in every school library and available for group reading study. This book won the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year and deservedly so.
Fantastic middle grade / intermediate read - Maaori lore (think Percy Jackson in Aotearoa / New Zealand), environmentalism, disability representation ... this needs to be in every school library and available for group reading study. This book won the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year and deservedly so.
October 14, 2020
Charlie Tangaroa has never let his disability hold him back. In fact, he won't even think of having a prosthetic leg as a
disability. Sometimes it even comes in handy. 13 yr old Charlie and his 11 yr old brother Robbie are cleaning up their local beach when they come across some littering surfers. A trick with his leg soon has the surfers fleeing - with all their rubbish.
It's while they're making their way home along the sand that the brothers find a body. Its limbs are long and thin, and there are strange protuding bones on her feet. The webbing between her fingers is weird too. At first they're frightened, even more so when she wakes up screaming. Luckily Robbie has fetched their Grandad in time.
Even without the giveaway tail, they knew they'd found a mermaid. Grandad knows the real name for her kind however. She is a ponaturi. She seems much happier in their swimming pool and doesn't want to return to the sea. Somehow Charlie is the only one who can understand her, and he soon learns her name - Po-nuia.
Finding Po-nuia is suddenly not the most startling thing in the young brother's lives. Severe earthquakes hit their town, followed by a gathering storm. Po-nuia tells Charlie that these are signs of the gods Tangaroa, (god of the sea), Tane (god of the forest) and Tawhiri (god of weather), building to a battle.
Tangaroa is angry about the terrible rise in pollution of his waters and all that live in them, and that Tane has allowed his creatures to let it happen. Tawhiri has waded in with his own agenda.
What's even more shocking is that Charlie is the only one that can stop them. Why me, he asks. I'm nothing special. But Po-nuia is insistent. Charlie has yet to learn why he is the link between Tangaroa and Tane.
When Grandad encourages this, Charlie can't believe it. Soon he is at the centre of something so unimaginable, but at the same time all too possible. He knows the songs he must sing, the words he must speak. Hours and hours and hours of learning them from Grandad while he lay in hospitals as a young child has taught Charlie well.
Po-nuia is right. Charlie is Tolaga Bay's only hope. He must dig deep to find what he needs to heal these age-old rifts between the gods, in order to save everyone he loves.
Chocka with action and brimming with Maoritanga, Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea is a riveting read! Strange mermaid type creatures, Maori gods and legends, Nature's powerful forces, and authentic characters, serve a compelling kiwi tale. A strong environmental theme emerges, highlighting an immense problem around the world.
The imagery, power and traditions were beautiful, raw and chilling all at the same time as Charlie battles with all his might for all that he loves. A glossary of Maori words and descriptions of the Maori gods add even more and understanding to this Aotearoa tale. Loved it!
Author - T K Roxborogh
Illustrator - Phoebe Morris
Age - 8+
disability. Sometimes it even comes in handy. 13 yr old Charlie and his 11 yr old brother Robbie are cleaning up their local beach when they come across some littering surfers. A trick with his leg soon has the surfers fleeing - with all their rubbish.
It's while they're making their way home along the sand that the brothers find a body. Its limbs are long and thin, and there are strange protuding bones on her feet. The webbing between her fingers is weird too. At first they're frightened, even more so when she wakes up screaming. Luckily Robbie has fetched their Grandad in time.
Even without the giveaway tail, they knew they'd found a mermaid. Grandad knows the real name for her kind however. She is a ponaturi. She seems much happier in their swimming pool and doesn't want to return to the sea. Somehow Charlie is the only one who can understand her, and he soon learns her name - Po-nuia.
Finding Po-nuia is suddenly not the most startling thing in the young brother's lives. Severe earthquakes hit their town, followed by a gathering storm. Po-nuia tells Charlie that these are signs of the gods Tangaroa, (god of the sea), Tane (god of the forest) and Tawhiri (god of weather), building to a battle.
Tangaroa is angry about the terrible rise in pollution of his waters and all that live in them, and that Tane has allowed his creatures to let it happen. Tawhiri has waded in with his own agenda.
What's even more shocking is that Charlie is the only one that can stop them. Why me, he asks. I'm nothing special. But Po-nuia is insistent. Charlie has yet to learn why he is the link between Tangaroa and Tane.
When Grandad encourages this, Charlie can't believe it. Soon he is at the centre of something so unimaginable, but at the same time all too possible. He knows the songs he must sing, the words he must speak. Hours and hours and hours of learning them from Grandad while he lay in hospitals as a young child has taught Charlie well.
Po-nuia is right. Charlie is Tolaga Bay's only hope. He must dig deep to find what he needs to heal these age-old rifts between the gods, in order to save everyone he loves.
Chocka with action and brimming with Maoritanga, Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea is a riveting read! Strange mermaid type creatures, Maori gods and legends, Nature's powerful forces, and authentic characters, serve a compelling kiwi tale. A strong environmental theme emerges, highlighting an immense problem around the world.
The imagery, power and traditions were beautiful, raw and chilling all at the same time as Charlie battles with all his might for all that he loves. A glossary of Maori words and descriptions of the Maori gods add even more and understanding to this Aotearoa tale. Loved it!
Author - T K Roxborogh
Illustrator - Phoebe Morris
Age - 8+
September 18, 2020
A fantastic new adventure, set in New Zealand. 13 year old Charlie was born with one partial leg, but that generally doesn’t stop him helping his grandfather around their farm, playing with his half brother Robbie, and enjoying life around Tolaga Bay.
The setting and character of Charlie and Robbie are established immediately, with the boys confronting surfers who have littered the beach, and ingeniously persuading them to leave with all their mess. However Charlie is having trouble with his prosthetic, and this leads them to discover what they believe is a body at the beach - a green/bluish female who has a faint pulse and webbed fingers and extra long bones, which Charlie dubs a mermaid. Robbie is dispatched for help, bringing their grandfather back with a camp stretcher. The mermaid is fixed on Charlie, who is singing Hine e Hine to her, as they carry her up the beach to their saltwater pool, which she immediately dives into. Grandfather then explains she is a ponaturi, and Robbie remarks on her hair, which is the same shade of red as Charlie’s hair. Grandfather explains that the ponaturi has chosen Charlie as her kaitiaki - guardian, protector - and the first thing they need to do is to go into town and get fish for her from the general store, which Charlie’s mum owns. We meet Old Pete, who always mentions the gods to Charlie, and Jenny and her family, American tourists who are also involved with the new port being constructed at the end of the bay.
This is a fast paced adventure which has a powerful backbone of te ao Maori anchoring it, and strong environmental themes too. The ponaturi has enemies, Maori gods get involved or rather, they involve Charlie in their eons long unhappiness with the way we use and abuse Papatuanuku. That unhappiness is expressed in a very physical climax that affects everyone and everything in the bay, especially Charlie, Jenny and Robbie.
The book works as a stand-alone but I do hope Huia commissions it as a series, as it would be fantastic for our tamariki to see themselves front and centre, especially for the East Cape kids. Highly recommended for Y5-9 and I think older students who aren’t as fussed on reading would enjoy it too.
Nga mihi to T.K. Roxborogh and Huia for providing me with a review copy.
The setting and character of Charlie and Robbie are established immediately, with the boys confronting surfers who have littered the beach, and ingeniously persuading them to leave with all their mess. However Charlie is having trouble with his prosthetic, and this leads them to discover what they believe is a body at the beach - a green/bluish female who has a faint pulse and webbed fingers and extra long bones, which Charlie dubs a mermaid. Robbie is dispatched for help, bringing their grandfather back with a camp stretcher. The mermaid is fixed on Charlie, who is singing Hine e Hine to her, as they carry her up the beach to their saltwater pool, which she immediately dives into. Grandfather then explains she is a ponaturi, and Robbie remarks on her hair, which is the same shade of red as Charlie’s hair. Grandfather explains that the ponaturi has chosen Charlie as her kaitiaki - guardian, protector - and the first thing they need to do is to go into town and get fish for her from the general store, which Charlie’s mum owns. We meet Old Pete, who always mentions the gods to Charlie, and Jenny and her family, American tourists who are also involved with the new port being constructed at the end of the bay.
This is a fast paced adventure which has a powerful backbone of te ao Maori anchoring it, and strong environmental themes too. The ponaturi has enemies, Maori gods get involved or rather, they involve Charlie in their eons long unhappiness with the way we use and abuse Papatuanuku. That unhappiness is expressed in a very physical climax that affects everyone and everything in the bay, especially Charlie, Jenny and Robbie.
The book works as a stand-alone but I do hope Huia commissions it as a series, as it would be fantastic for our tamariki to see themselves front and centre, especially for the East Cape kids. Highly recommended for Y5-9 and I think older students who aren’t as fussed on reading would enjoy it too.
Nga mihi to T.K. Roxborogh and Huia for providing me with a review copy.
October 11, 2020
I was excited to buy this book as we are trying to get more NZ fiction into our library, with a particular focus on Maori culture (I am from the UK so I have to work hard at getting this right.)
Charlie and his brother, Robbie, find a ponaturi washed up on their beach in Tolaga Bay on the East Coast. In trying to look after her they realise that they are part of something much larger. With the help of their grandfather they start to discover more about themselves, their surroundings and their heritage.
The book is pretty fast-paced... particularly when the gods are demonstrating their anger and fighting each other... and Charlie.
Charlie, Robbie and their new friend Jenny, from the US (who is used as a means of explaining the gods and their relationships), have to battle winds, waves and earthquakes in order to calm the gods and bring peace... and so enable rescue helicopters into the area to pick up their mum, who has been injured in one of the quakes.
I really enjoyed the story, even though, at times, some of the explanations of seemed a bit contrived. However, those explanations are necessary for those who don't have a firm grasp on Maori culture... and this book would be a cool way for students to learn abit more about it.
Charlie and his brother, Robbie, find a ponaturi washed up on their beach in Tolaga Bay on the East Coast. In trying to look after her they realise that they are part of something much larger. With the help of their grandfather they start to discover more about themselves, their surroundings and their heritage.
The book is pretty fast-paced... particularly when the gods are demonstrating their anger and fighting each other... and Charlie.
Charlie, Robbie and their new friend Jenny, from the US (who is used as a means of explaining the gods and their relationships), have to battle winds, waves and earthquakes in order to calm the gods and bring peace... and so enable rescue helicopters into the area to pick up their mum, who has been injured in one of the quakes.
I really enjoyed the story, even though, at times, some of the explanations of seemed a bit contrived. However, those explanations are necessary for those who don't have a firm grasp on Maori culture... and this book would be a cool way for students to learn abit more about it.
September 25, 2021
That was a fantastic read about Māori mythology. It's not really something I've ever looked into, so it was a fantastic introduction to some of the main Māori gods.
April 4, 2022
A great book to introduce theme to a Yr 5-8 class as there are important ideas to discuss that aren't terribly hard to identify for young readers. The language features throughout make it a fun read and a good one to dissect when breaking down writing techniques.
March 10, 2021
Loved this fun book. An exciting adventure.
May 8, 2026
Fans of Percy Jackson will love this tale of Gods based on Maori culture. Throughout the book much Maori culture is explained and indeed forms part of the action. Charlie, the main character, was born with only one leg. Despite living a full life, he does, at times, have to do battle with his prosthetic leg which provides many challenges. Charlie however is more than a match for the challenges.
Charlie is patient, kind and resilient, all the characteristics needed for a great hero.
Charlie is patient, kind and resilient, all the characteristics needed for a great hero.
June 3, 2022
Read to Zeke (12.)
We both enjoyed this book. It shows that disabilities can be hard and slow people down a little, but they can still live a great life and be a hero. I really enjoyed the Māori mythology in the book. Having a foreign character meant background mythology and translations of Māori could be included as part of the storyline. I really need to work on my pronounciation though!
Prompt:
PopSugar: A book that features 2 languages.
We both enjoyed this book. It shows that disabilities can be hard and slow people down a little, but they can still live a great life and be a hero. I really enjoyed the Māori mythology in the book. Having a foreign character meant background mythology and translations of Māori could be included as part of the storyline. I really need to work on my pronounciation though!
Prompt:
PopSugar: A book that features 2 languages.
September 11, 2023
Fast paced fantasy perfect for 10-12 year olds. Really liked the main character!!
March 14, 2024
Excellent book to draw in younger male readers, especially Maori. Great incorporation of Te Reo Maori within sentences that help you learn through context, though there is an appendix at the back with definitions.
Loved this and would recommend for anyone teaching/learning about kaitiakitanga, sustainability, mana, myths and legends, descriptive language and vivid metaphors and similes throughout.
Male protagonist, but strong female characters as well.
(NZ intermediate teacher speaking)
Loved this and would recommend for anyone teaching/learning about kaitiakitanga, sustainability, mana, myths and legends, descriptive language and vivid metaphors and similes throughout.
Male protagonist, but strong female characters as well.
(NZ intermediate teacher speaking)
August 28, 2023
Charlie faces an emergency that teaches him about himself, his family, and his abilities. Through the character of his new friend, Jenny, the reader learns about Māori deities and the Aotearoa creation story. But that’s not all! This book also warns of the consequences of environmental degradation and profit over people. Excellent choice for fans of Percy Jackson.
October 12, 2021
Lots to love about this fast paced adventure set on NZ.
August 8, 2022
Lots of action physically emotionaly and spiritually.
July 8, 2023
Read this book for a class, and I loved it overall. Think Percy Jackson but grounded in Māori mythology, which was so cool to read about in this way, accessible to middle grade readers. This book is also notable in my mind for its disability representation: the main character, Charlie, was born with a limb difference and wears a prosthetic leg (I am realizing now I have not yet read about this experience from a kid’s point of view, including the fact that a kid is constantly growing and therefore needs to replace their prosthesis frequently). Entertaining, educational, and well-written all around.
I am a generous reader and “rater” these days, so for now I am comfortable giving this a 4-star rating and providing criticism / a content warning here in my review. This is specific to the opening scene, which troubles me greatly as it reads to me (a white US reader who is learning about New Zealand but not an expert) as extremely racist towards an anonymous side character who is coded as Black (by the reference to dreadlocks, among other more problematic descriptors.) Maybe there’s lots of white “out-of-towners” in New Zealand with dreadlocks, but sadly I think the obvious explanation is more likely, that this scene reflects pretty overt anti-Black racism.
I even went back to the text just now to make sure I had read this correctly, and the scene is actually worse than I had remembered. I believe this is an isolated incident in the story, so if you have the emotional energy to move past this scene, and feel the Māori and disability representation is worth it, I do believe many readers (of all ages) will really enjoy the rest of the book. If you’re an adult giving this to a child in your life, maybe read the book yourself and have a discussion about it. This is hard because if it were a more mainstream book and perspective throughout the rest of the story I’d be more likely to just say “chuck it,” but this is the world we live in I guess! Clearly I am still processing over here. 🤦♀️
I am a generous reader and “rater” these days, so for now I am comfortable giving this a 4-star rating and providing criticism / a content warning here in my review. This is specific to the opening scene, which troubles me greatly as it reads to me (a white US reader who is learning about New Zealand but not an expert) as extremely racist towards an anonymous side character who is coded as Black (by the reference to dreadlocks, among other more problematic descriptors.) Maybe there’s lots of white “out-of-towners” in New Zealand with dreadlocks, but sadly I think the obvious explanation is more likely, that this scene reflects pretty overt anti-Black racism.
I even went back to the text just now to make sure I had read this correctly, and the scene is actually worse than I had remembered. I believe this is an isolated incident in the story, so if you have the emotional energy to move past this scene, and feel the Māori and disability representation is worth it, I do believe many readers (of all ages) will really enjoy the rest of the book. If you’re an adult giving this to a child in your life, maybe read the book yourself and have a discussion about it. This is hard because if it were a more mainstream book and perspective throughout the rest of the story I’d be more likely to just say “chuck it,” but this is the world we live in I guess! Clearly I am still processing over here. 🤦♀️
September 21, 2020
📚📚📚📚📚REVIEW (Māori Author) 📚📚📚📚📚
🐈: Yep, she spent all morning reading a kids book….
👩🏽⚕️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea. By TK Roxborogh (Ngāti Porou, Ngati Mutunga o Wharekauri)
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This magical story is set in Uawa (Tologa Bay). It follows the story of Charlie, a 13 yo boy, his brother Robbie and the Ponaturi (mermaid) they discover on the beach. There’s a wise Koro (grandfather) involved and many of our traditional pūrakau (stories) are woven cleverly throughout it including the early battles between our atua Māori. There is action and adventure that keeps the pages turning!
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I love that this book focuses on the greatness of our Māori kids. To see them as the superheroes in the pages warms my heart. I can’t wait for my own tamariki to get into this gem. It also has important environmental themes and, again, our children lead the way as kaitiaki (guardians).
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This is a good book for all tamariki - Māori and non-Māori. Would also be a good one to introduce your children to our traditional stories if they haven’t had the opportunity to learn yet.
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Ngā mihi TK Roxborogh for writing it and @huiapublishers for publishing 💓
🐈: Yep, she spent all morning reading a kids book….
👩🏽⚕️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea. By TK Roxborogh (Ngāti Porou, Ngati Mutunga o Wharekauri)
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This magical story is set in Uawa (Tologa Bay). It follows the story of Charlie, a 13 yo boy, his brother Robbie and the Ponaturi (mermaid) they discover on the beach. There’s a wise Koro (grandfather) involved and many of our traditional pūrakau (stories) are woven cleverly throughout it including the early battles between our atua Māori. There is action and adventure that keeps the pages turning!
•
I love that this book focuses on the greatness of our Māori kids. To see them as the superheroes in the pages warms my heart. I can’t wait for my own tamariki to get into this gem. It also has important environmental themes and, again, our children lead the way as kaitiaki (guardians).
•
This is a good book for all tamariki - Māori and non-Māori. Would also be a good one to introduce your children to our traditional stories if they haven’t had the opportunity to learn yet.
•
Ngā mihi TK Roxborogh for writing it and @huiapublishers for publishing 💓
March 26, 2026
Beautiful cover art puts our kindhearted protagonist centre stage. Charlie is a local lad immersed in his culture. Roxborough's writing weaves Māori traditional tales (Gods) into a modern story of environmental impact (development vs nature). Set in the small isolated East Coast settlement of Tolaga Bay. It's a fine line to walk, filling in potential knowledge gaps for international readers without sacrificing pacing and the author manages this for the most part. There is authentic disability representation (Charlie has a prosthetic leg). A local story with magical realism for kiwi kids to enjoy.
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September 2, 2021Amazing adventure with Maori culture at the forefront. Learn more about Maori Gods and culture along with Charlie who is trying to maintain his sense of self through harrowing times even against al odds he stays true to himself.
Winner of 2021 NZ Children's Book of the Year Award
Winner of 2021 NZ Children's Book of the Year Award
March 3, 2021
It took a little bit to get into, must have been my brain at the time, but once I got over that, the story drew me in and kept going.
Waiting for the next.
Waiting for the next.
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