My first ikura.
Written by Qiane Matata-Sipu.
Illustrated by Isobel Te Aho-White.
Taku ikura tuatahi
Nā Qiane Matata-Sipu.
Nā Stacey Morrison i whakamaori.
Nā
Isobel Joy Te Aho-White i waituhi.
QIANE+co, 2025.
Sophisticated picture book.
A gentle and powerful story that reclaims the sacredness
of a girl’s first ikura (period) through a Māori lens — celebrating connection,
ceremony and whakapapa. Rooted in te ao Māori, My First Ikura and the
reo Māori translation Taku Ikura Tuatahi is a beautifully illustrated
children’s book that follows a young girl’s first period, guided by the support of her
whānau. More than a story of physical change, it celebrates womanhood as a
sacred rite of passage. First of its kind in Aotearoa, it addresses first
menstruation through a Māori cultural framework. Culturally affirming, it emphasises
ceremony, family support and ancestral wisdom — it also includes a specially
written karakia for families to learn together. Beautifully produced, with
premium finishes and lush, full-colour illustrations using traditional earth
pigments (kōkōwai). Created by recognised Māori creatives: Builds trust and
demand from readers seeking authentic Indigenous voices. Education-friendly:
Supports conversations in kura, classrooms and at home about periods, wellbeing
and identity.
What an absolutely stunning book. Such positivity and
support.
Dragging out the knowledge I half-remember from the introductory anthropology paper I took (in *mumble* 1990!) - and the essay I wrote about menstruation customs - this approach is very rare.