The Ever-Standing Tree/Te Rākau Tū Tonu

Over the protests of his kids, Dad cuts down a tree to get ‘a better view’ — only for a chorus of birds and insects to put it back together overnight.

The battle of wills between the blade and nature goes on until Dad finally sees the light and comes to love the tree.

Told in Māori and English, this lovingly illustrated story resets the beloved myth of Rātā and the Tree in a modern setting, encouraging readers to consider traditions, tikanga and respect for nature.

The Ever-standing Tree/Te Rākau Tū Tonu follows on from Tim Tipene’s successful picture books Māui – Sun Catcher/Te Kaihao i te Rā and Rona Moon/Ko Rona Māhina, both Storylines Notable Book Award winners.