Tama the Tui has been down for a while
Written by Alvante Harris
Illustrated by Maria Carroll
A heartwarming tale of Tama the Tui, a young bird who has been feeling sad and blue.
Join Tama as he discovers that sharing his feelings not only lightens his heart but also strengthens his bonds with his family and friends.
For every four books sold, one book will be donated to an organisation, kid, school, mental health worker or social worker that needs it.
Help me share this important message!
About Alvante
I had what I would consider to be a pretty normal Aotearoa childhood, and yet I grew up with the perception that vulnerability was weakness. As a result, I have always been terrible at talking about my feelings.
This is a common perception we have growing up here, and I believe this plays a massive role in the shocking state of our nation’s mental health. By showing tamariki that vulnerability is strength, we can change the narrative and improve the outcomes for anyone who suffers silently in this country.
I really wanted to write a children’s book that mattered, one that I could have benefited from as a kid.
This is my attempt. I hope you like it.
About our Artist
Maria Carroll is a Pōneke based artist, who works primarily as a tattooer but also dabbles in drawing, painting, clothing, and photography.
Much of their body of work explores ideas around mental health, as a way to express and process their own mental health journey.
About our Designer
Kia ora koutou, ko Lucy Angel tōku ingoa, I'm a Graphic Designer/Creative based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. I endeavour to comprehend human nature through observation and participation, translating the essence of these experiences into visual communication.
“Tama the tui” is an honest yet gentle way to highlight how mental health understanding and awareness is essential for all, from our tamariki to our tipuna. Having struggled with mental health throughout my life, in part while navigating the creative industry, designing a book like this holds a lot of weight for me. It was made even more special by working with two of my homies and supporting each other throughout the process.
