Tu Meke Tui Book

Tu Meke Tūī is a children’s book written by Malcolm Clarke, illustrated by Flox (Aka Hayley King) and designed and published by Mary Egan Publishing. The idea for Tū Meke Tūī was born out of Malcolm’s appreciation for New Zealand native wildlife and his desire to expose young readers to the wonders of the natural. 

Tumeke is a New Zealand Māori word which means to startle or take fright. In recent years, tu meke (as two words) has developed as a colloquial phrase meaning “too much”; and is used to express excitement or being shaken up. Tere the Tui and Taitu the Takahe are two very different sorts of birds: one loves to flit and twirl about in the sky, while the other prefers to rustle around in the undergrowth. Tu Meke Tui is a story of friendship, courage and discovering that sometimes it’s our differences which make us truly special.