Tikumu’s letter
Dear Children, I have just finished reading two enjoyable books. And they are both by New Zealand authors.
The first, from the South Island, is called “Take the Long Path.” It is about 11-year-old David who lives on a sheep farm on the Otago Peninusla. David, — through his friendship with a solitary old man, a Maori — becomes involved in an exciting search. I won’t spoil the plot by saying more about it. The feuds and wars of the old man’s ancestors grip David and change his own life, David, himself, is an interesting and well-drawn character. We see him watching over his colony of lovable penguins at the creek, helping (reluctantly) on the farm, playing with his Maori boy friend, and having problems at home with his parents. Joan de Hamel, the author of ‘Take the Long Path,” writes sympathetically and perceptively of the Maori people, of birds, and of family and country life. She writes of al! these things in an outstanding way and at the same time tells an intriguing story. The second book, “Scrub
Fire.” is from the North Island. It is about three children, Michelle. Andrew, and Jason, who all go on a disastrous camping holiday with their inexperienced aunt and uncle. A fire soon separates the children from the adults and they become lost. Thej’ spend 12 days alone in the bush — hungry and exhausted, and unable to find their wav out. Anne de Roo, the author, knows the New Zealand bush well. She vividly describes the children’s efforts to find food and shelter, and to survive in rugged country. She also shows how the personalities of the three children change and develop under their ordeal. This is a story about danger and stress, but it has some very funny parts, too, as the children play lively make-believe games to escape from their fear and loneliness. I hope you read these books and tell your friends about them. Children from Standard 3 to Form V will enjoy “Take the Long Path,” and children from Standard 3 to Form 111 will enjoy “Scrub Fire.” Tikuinu
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Press, 7 November 1978, Page 16
Word Count
351Tikumu’s letter Press, 7 November 1978, Page 16
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