This is part of a series about aroha and nurturing the resilience of children who have experienced a traumatic life event. It aims to help adults and children talk about what has happened and support children's well-being.
The Māori edition Ko Te Wai, Ko Tama Me Te Marama is available
Te Wai's mum is seriously ill, and Tama's mum struggles to make ends meet, but Te Wai's got a big imagination and is determined to make the day better.
The friends plan a trip to the moon, and they wait at the bus stop for the spaceship. Each time the bus arrives, someone they know gets off, and they share something to eat with the children while they wait, and Tama and Te Wai help them with the steps and heavy bags.
That evening, Aunty Cherrie takes them in her little red 'spaceship' car to look at the stars and tells them how people's spirits become stars when they die. Te Wai understands this will not be long for her mum. Some days later, her tangi takes place, and Te Wai is surrounded by the caring support of her whanau, her community and Tama.
Paperback
Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
36 pages
H: 180mm W: 200mm