There's a Rainbow in my River
He Kōpere kei taku Awa
Dawn McMillan
Illustrated by Nikki Slade Robinson
Translated by Stephanie Huriana Fong
Discover what’s in the river with newest book in Dawn McMillan’s bilingual Nature Series
There’s a rainbow in my river.
He’s the colours of the sky.
He kōpere kei taku awa,
Nō te rangi ōna tae.
When Nan and her mokopuna go down to the river for a picnic, they see Rainbow Trout cruising the waters — and then the fun begins.
Soon Water Spider, Diving Beetle, Kōura, Tuna Kūwharuwharu and friends are there too, all leaping off the page — both in verse (in English and te reo Māori) and colourful pictures.
Celebrated author Dawn McMillan brings her brilliant imagination to the river environment, with art by internationally recognised illustrator Nikki Slade Robinson, and Māori text by translator and TV host Stephanie Huriana Fong.
At the back there are information pages to help kids learn more about the fascinating creatures that live in New Zealand rivers.
The author, illustrator and translator
Dawn McMillan is the much-loved author of an array of children’s books, including the global hit New Bum! Series. In the 2026 Royal Honours, Dawn was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children’s literature. She lives north of Thames.
Nikki Slade Robinson is an award-winning children's illustrator and author who lives in Ōpotiki. She has established a reputation for innovative, fun children's books that have been widely published here and overseas.
Stephanie Huriana Fong (Te Rarawa) is a registered translator of te reo Māori who has worked on several books for Oratia, including There’s a Crab in my Castle. Stephanie lives with her whānau in Te Atatū, Auckland.
Publication Date: 5 November 2026 | ISBN: 9781992353061 | RRP $22.99 Paperback, 270 x 210 mm, 32 pages, colour
