#365PictureBooks 49. Te Pakiwaitara O Cape Kidnappers: The story of Cape Kidnappers, story re-told by Patrick Sherratt, illustrations by Sophie Blokker

Sherratt, P., & Blokker, S. (2013). Te Pakiwaitara O Cape Kidnappers: The story of Cape Kidnappers. Napier, New Zealand: Te Mata Kidergarten.

ISBN: 9780473242343
Pages: 24
Age Level: Middle Childhood 7-12
Genre: Picture Storybook / NZ Fiction / Myths & Legends
Rating: 5 stars

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Te Pakiwaitara O Cape Kidnappers tells the story of  an historical event that happened when Captain James Cook was exploring New Zealand in 1769.  It takes place at Rangiika, on the southern side of Cape Kidnappers, which is also know as the tip of Matau-o-Maui (the fish hook of Maui) who in Maori legend fished up the North Island of New Zealand.  Many years later this significant landmark continues to be called Cape Kidnappers and is a popular tourist attraction (Back Page). 

Patrick Sherratt's retelling of this local legend has been done simply enough for younger children to follow, and yet in a way that is very much like many traditional Maori Myths & Legends.


Each double-page spread has the legend on the left page with the beautifully depicted illustration to go with it on the right.

Sophie Blokker's illustrations are just freaking amazing!  Her computer generated graphical images depict the characters in a manga style.  Her coastal scenes although slightly cartoonish appear as if you are looking out at the scene yourself.  With the use of bright bold colours this book is a visual feast for the eyes.


This is a fantastic addition to your collection, whether it is as a read-aloud, part of your Maori Myths & Legends collection or in among the picture books collection.  A great local history book for those of us in Hawkes Bay.

This is the second book that Te Mata Kindergarten have published with artist Sophie Blokker.  The first book tells the the legend of Te Mata O Rongokako the Sleeping Giant which is a prominent land mark and Maori legend in Havelock North (Back Page). 

I got my copy of Te Pakiwaitara O Cape Kidnappers: The story of Cape Kidnappers from the Taradale Primary School library where I work. 

You can find a copy at Napier Libraries.

Find out more about Sophie Blokker's illustrations.