Illustrated Mā ori Dictionary: Mā ori-English Essentials By A.W. Reed, Oratia Books, $34.99 .. ..

.. .. .. .. .. This is not a new book — A.W. Reed and illustrator Roger Hart created the first edition of the Illustrated Mā ori Dictionary in 1965 — but this is a new edition that continues the retro design style of the original while updating for a new generation.

Reed and Hart understood that pictures were an invaluable aid in language learning, and the original was called the Maori Picture Dictionary, which explained the meaning and use of essential words. It also adopted the use of macrons to indicate long vowels, which was not commonly used at the time.

It also makes clearer the often multiple meanings of a word, and how it might be used in context. The illustrations reflect traditional Māori life and customs, and helpfully provides derivations to the meanings.

This slim classic volume deserves pride of place on every New Zealand bookshelf. —

Linda Thompson