Mat Tait is an award winning South Island based illustrator of European and Maori descent. Here he has used traditional motifs to tell an exciting story that is a satisfying tale on its own as well as a well-known popular legend.
Kupe was a mighty fisher of the ocean and when he discovered that a huge octopus was eating all the fish, causing his people to grow hungry, he determined to chase it down. He, his wife, his family and his greatest warriors all set sail from Hawaiki across the seas until they came to Aotearoa, the land of the long, white cloud, where they battled with the octopus and prevailed against it.
The illustrations are impressive ably conveying the strength and power of the protagonists. The text appears in a large white font, varying in size, with the occasional change in colour for emphasis. The use of capitals throughout creates a heavy massive effect which presumably is intentional. On the whole the story and illustrations effectively combine to create a memorable work sure to appeal to its intended audience.
