Ngā wīra o te pahi (The Wheels on the Bus Māori)

Hop aboard for a singalong adventure with Ngā Wira o te Pahi, a lively te reo Māori adaptation of œThe Wheels on the Bus set against the stunning backdrop of Aotearoa. In this playful picture book, the familiar tune is reimagined as a uniquely Kiwi journey featuring a charming cast of native animal passengers including Kiwi, Hoiho, Tuatara, and PÄ«wakawaka. Each page bursts with energy and colour thanks to Donovan Bixley ONZM's signature illustration style. Translated by respected language expert Ross Calman, this book retains the song's joyful rhythm and adds the beauty of Māori language, making it ideal for early childhood classrooms and home reading alike. Donovan Bixley's vibrant storytelling and commitment to bilingual education have earned him accolades both locally and internationally, including the Children's Choice Award and recognition as an Officer of the Order of New Zealand. This edition keeps the heart of the original English-language story while celebrating te reo Māori in a way that's both accessible and engaging for young learners.

Educational Benefits:

• Promotes language immersion through familiar songs in te reo Māori.
• Builds early musical and phonemic awareness through rhythm and rhyme.
• Encourages cultural identity and language pride in young learners.
• Supports memory development through repetition and narrative structure.

Classroom Ideas:

• Use during waiata (song) time to support bilingual singing and pronunciation.
• Create puppet shows based on the animal characters in the book.
• Design a œbus map that tracks the journey across places in Aotearoa.
• Incorporate into dramatic play with cardboard buses and costumes.

Information:

• Ages: 0-5 years
• Format: Picture Book (te reo Māori)
• Translator: Ross Calman
• Author/Illustrator: Donovan Bixley ONZM