The Kuia and the Spider

An argument between a Maori grandmother and a grandfather spider about their weaving skills is unresolved even when both agree too let their grandchildren decide who is the better, for of course, the types of weaving of the protagonists are worlds apart. Many young readers will find the meaning of this strange tale somewhat elusive but it offers older children, and indeed adults, much food for thought. The story employs a number of maori words (kuia of the title means old woman) and there is a glossary giving their English equivalents. The illustrations are naive in style and have a peculiar fascination.