Ariā and the Kūmara God By Witi Ihimaera Isobel Joy Te Aho-White

A full-colour illustrated chapter book for readers 6 years plus that returns to the exciting magical world of the Astromancer! Will headstrong Ariā manage the impossible climb up to the stars and free Te Kōkōrangi from Ruatapu's clutches before time runs out?

Enter the exciting and dangerous world of the Astromancer… This epic magical adventure inspired by Māori mythology is perfect for younger fans of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter.

The stars foretell disaster.
The karakia have not been chanted.
The gods’ dues remain unpaid.
When Ruatapu the Ravenous kidnapped Te Kōkōrangi, keeper of sacred knowledge, the bloodthirsty chief was warned that his ambitions would have dire consequences. Now he is beginning to find out. The crops have failed and humankind faces starvation unless the star Whānui, atua of kūmara, can be persuaded to help.

Headstrong Ariā and her three fellow apprentice star-gazers begin an impossible climb up into the heavens, on a breakneck race to intercept Whānui on his passage and plead for mercy. But the staircase of vines is on the brink of collapse, they’re facing attacks by angry deities, and Matariki is drawing ever nearer…

From the world-renowned author of Whale Rider comes this spine-tingling, fast-paced sequel to the bestselling Astromancer. With fabulous illustrations throughout, Āria and the Kūmara God will captivate readers six years and up. It’s the ideal chapter book to read aloud together, either to welcome in the Māori New Year, or at any time of year!

‘Chock full of danger, heroes, old wisdom and new blood. . . . this is an action adventure story where we learn in the best way – by being thoroughly absorbed in a wonderful story.’ LOUISE WARD, NZ HERALD

Also available in te reo Māori as Ariā Me te Atua o te Kūmara
Don’t miss Ariā’s bestselling first adventure: The Astromancer!