Turi

Te Ao Hou, March 1964, Page 54

Turi by Lesley Cameron Powell photographs by Pius Blank Pauls Book Arcade, 12/6 This story about a little boy called Turi, and his Kuia, is simply told by the author and delightfully portrayed by the photographer. It has neither ‘gimmicks’ nor ‘props’. It has succeeded where others have failed; its success lies in its simplicity and deep understanding. It must say that when I looked at the title and saw the author's name I said to myself, ‘Pakehas writing about Maoris again; will this person get down to grass roots or will she create stereotypes, as others have done?’ I must confess that the cover photo aroused my curiosity and by the time I had finished the first sentence I started to revise my opinions and by the end of the first paragraph I was converted. The story is for children and could be read by grown-ups. My wife took the opportunity of reading the story to my little girls and to their Pakeha friends. Their reaction to it was simply this—‘Gee, it's a beauty story’. Our Grannie who speaks and reads very little English has read it and has enjoyed looking at the pictures. Her comment was ‘Kapai’. It is indeed refreshing in these days of urbanisation and industrialisation to be reminded of people like Turi, Grannie and the many other heart-warming characters in this story. In these complex times this book has a message: the simple things in life are free, and are important. I commend this book to Maori and Pakeha children, particularly to those who are town dwellers. To the author I say, ‘Let's have some more’. The book costs 12/6 and is cheap at the price. It is a sound investment and will give hours of happiness to the family, and to some, nostalgia. Brownie Puriri