'A spectacular hardback . Meredith and Tait incorporate a range of styles in this evocatively illustrated work, which adds nuance to the story of how Europeans put Aotearoa on their maps. It's a story that should be read in all New Zealand primary schools.' Canvas, NZ Herald 'Astonishing . The illustrations in this book are just stunning and the story is so gripping and beautifully told - one of the best local non-fiction books for kids in years.' Hera Lindsay Bird, Newsroom 'A work of art, stunningly illustrated by Mat Tait. His bold graphic style illustrations make it instantly appealing. Using an almost muted colour palette, Tait somehow manages to make the illustrations both simple and incredibly detailed at the same time.

Taumi, tapa and tatau, alongside many other Pasifika art, and flora, is documented beautifully. Intricate vaka and ships float across pages, as maps unfurl.' Rebekah Fraser, NZ Booklovers 'With rich graphic illustrations, Mat Tait shows us Tupaia's arrival in Aotearoa: scenes, people, objects, marae, warriors, hongi, muskets, life, death, peace, violence, the sky. Each page holds my attention and each page moves me. An essential book. A magnificent book in debt to mahi and aroha.' Paula Green, Poetry Box 'This book is exquisite. with rich language that dances between prose and poetry, and incredible illustrations that do a lot with a muted colour palette on each spread.

I'm delighted that we have a book that is beautiful and accessible to our tamariki that tells the story of this critical figure in the lead-up to Aotearoa of today.' Briar Lawry, The Sapling.