Today is my last day at Owairaka. I feel a lot of mixed emotions, as after six years, its time to move on, but I will be very sad to leave all the wonderful people here.
Ms Mitchell asked me if I'd like to do a display of my favourite books, but I decided that instead, I would do some reviews here for you all to read.
Old Huhu - Kyle Mewburn
In the first year I worked at Owairaka, both of my parents died. Around this time, this book was released. Old Hu-hu is about trying to find answers when you lose someone close to you. The conclusion to this lovely story resonates with me still. This one is in English and Te Reo, in the M section of the Sophisticated Picture Books.
Lest We Forget - Feana Tu'akoi
My late father was a returned serviceman who had seen conflict in Vietnam and various other places. He rarely talked about this, but would religiously attend ANZAC Day dawn services. This book resonated with me because what was reflected back at me was the feelings I had as a child about ANZAC Day, but also the greater understanding that I had come to as an adult. I was lucky enough to meet the author at an event at the National Library, and chat to her about it. Find this one in the T section of Sophisticated Picture Books.
Grandpa and Ah Gong - Morag Loh
This book is a little old and doesn't have any whizz-bang title graphics, but its a sweet story that I think illustrates the spirit of our school. Mandy has grandfathers from two different worlds, and they don't seem to get along, until they find that they can use the best of both their worlds to create a wonderful surprise. Find this one in the L section of Sophisticated Picture Books.
The Family Book - Todd Parr
In 2014, my family became somewhat unconventional. Todd Parr's book provided a humorous and non-patronising picture of how families are all different, but they all love each other. This one is in the 300s section of the Junior Non Fiction.
Red - A crayon's story - Michael Hall
My own radical transformation took place around a lot of self examination about who I was, who I had been, and becoming more authentic. This charming story about difference and acceptance illustrates that we can find strength and beauty in our quirks, and that changing the wrapping doesn't change who we are - we may as well just be true to ourselves. This one is in the H section of Picture Books.
No Flying in the House - Betty Brock
This particular book I ordered for Owairaka because it had been one of my childhood favourites. Annabel Tippens is an unusual little girl with an unusual friend - she can fly, and her friend is a talking dog. But how did she end up that way, and why is she living with the stuffy Mrs Vancourt? Find this one in the B section of General Fiction.
North Star - Peter H. Reynolds
I love this book because at the time I read it, it was telling my story. I was struggling to find my North Star. But the message in this book is knowledge I take with me wherever I am.
"The bird said, "Ask yourself where it is you want to go, and then follow the signs you already know."
The time is right to move on, and the opportunity has come to make sure that I can do that and remain true to myself.
In the very words I see every day painted on the side of our library, I know that if I follow this principle, I will be on the right path.
And so will you.
He aha te mea nui o te ao
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
