Nanny Jo and the Wild Mokopuna
Nani Jo me Ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga
In May 2023 Baggage Books published their stunning new book Nanny Jo and the Wild Mokopuna/ Nani Jo me Ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga. Written by Moira Wairama and beautifully illustrated by Margaret Tolland it celebrates the special relationship of grandmothers with their mokopuna and the significance of Matariki.
About this book
The wild mokopuna loved their Nanny Jo. She took them to the park, to the river, to the bush. But when Nanny Jo became sick, the wild mokopuna gathered around her to hear the story of the great fisherman Taramainuku and Te Waka o Rangi.
A touching story that celebrates grandmothers, while also highlighting the significance of Matariki as a time to farewell the spirits and celebrate the Māori New Year.
Margaret Tolland is a Porirua based artist, illustrator, muralist and educator… Among the many books she has illustrated are those titles created with writer Gay Hay, including Fantail’s Quilt, (LIANZA Award finalist) and Watch Out Snail, (NZ Post Children’s Book Award finalist).
Both Moira and Margaret have worked with Read NZ Te Pou Muramura Writers in Schools Programme.
The Sapling interview – A conversation with Moira Wairama and Margaret Tolland
Bee Trudgeon has a heartfelt and heartwarming kōrero with Moira Wairama and Margaret Tolland about the creation of their new book, Nani Jo me ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga/ Nanny Jo and the Wild Mokopuna, and the beautiful story behind it.
Book Launches
In September 2023 Joanna Huriwai, our beloved Nanny Jo, finally lost her long battle with breast cancer and climbed up into Taramainuku’s net to ride the great Waka O Rangi across the night sky.
Earlier in the year Baggage Books was thrilled that Jo was well enough to attend the initial book launch of the story she had inspired, which was held at Pataka Art and Museum in Porirua.
As part of the launch, during the day author Moira Wairama and illustrator Margaret Tolland presented a storytelling and Q & A event for tamariki from Porirua East school, several of whom were Margaret’s models for her mokopuna illustrations.
Later in the evening the Porirua East school kapa haka group supported Matua Penetana Huriwai’s karakia as he blessed the book and then performed as part of the main launch which also featured a display of Margaret’s original art work.
What a delight that Joanna/ Nanny Jo was on hand to present copies of the book to those involved in its creation, including the members of her whānau who had contributed art work.
Two of the mokopuna images from the book featuring models from Porirua East School.
Margaret Tolland congratulates Te Warihi Huriwai and presents his book while his Nanny Jo Huriwai looks on.
Matua Penetana Huriwai who did the karakia to launch the book is supported with a waiata from Porirua East School kapa haka group.
Porirua East School kapa haka group delighted the crowd who attended the launch.
Following the event at Pataka a second book launch was held at Paiges Bookshop and Gallery in Whanganui. Hosted by owner Lesley Stead this launch also marked the opening of an exhibition of Margaret’s illustrations.
Margaret Tolland opening her second exhibition for Lockett Gallery (part of Paiges Bookshop).
Tony Hopkins co-publisher of Baggage Books joins Moira and Margaret to celebrate their book.
A third book launch was hosted at The Children’s Bookshop in Kilbirnie by owner Susan Hooper in memory of the late John McIntyre who was a strong supporter of Wellington writers of children’s books. His wife Ruth McIntrye who ran the shop with him for many years is the book consultant for Nanny Jo and the Wild Mokopuna/ Nani Jo me Ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga.
Moira Wairama admires the dazzling window display at The Children’s Bookshop, Kilbirnie.
Margaret and Moira get set up to sign books.
Margaret fascinated listeners speaking about her work and experiences as an illustrator.
Another highlight of launching Nanny Jo and the Wild Mokopuna/ Nani Jo me Ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga was the Baggage Books stall at the 2023 Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival. The new book sold well alongside other Baggage Book titles and illustrator Margaret Tolland proved a hit with her display of her work and her painting process.
Margaret on stage at 2023 Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival.
Baggage Books co-publisher Tony Hopkins displays our new title.
Joining the Baggage Books table are independent publishers and authors Linda Hansen from Onepoto Press and Anne Ingram of White Gull Press together with book consultant Ruth McIntyre.
