Kiwi Rhymes for Modern Times by Janet Horwell - New Zealand Children's Poetry Book | Perfect for Bedtime Stories & Early Learning

Ētahi Rotarota o Aotearoa / Kiwi Rhymes for Modern Times, is a bilingual Kiwi kids book of traditional rhymes, reimagined in English and professionally translated into te reo Māori. 

The stories that our tamariki hear shape their understanding of the world and their place in it.

When 'Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater' locks his wife in a pumpkin shell, or 'See Saw Margery Daw' sings about having a 'Master', it's clear we need to update these traditional nursery rhymes.

'Kiwi Rhymes' is a collection of original rhymes and stories that share a world we want our tamariki to grow up in - one of modern stories and nursery rhymes that celebrates diversity of race, gender, size, shape, sexuality and ability. Stories that celebrate Aotearoa's native bush, bird life and the Māori language. The more we learn about them, the greater desire we have to protect them.

The book is professionally translated into te reo Māori by Tamati Waaka, illustrated by Ana Craw and Johannah Kātene-Burge is the cultural advisor for the book.

Kiwi Rhymes has been designed as a 'living collaboration', meaning pronouns and names can be replaced and tamariki are invited to continue changing any of the lyrics to make the rhymes relevant to their childhood and their lived experiences.