Nevaeh O'Connell was especially excited to see the Maori language version of the children's classic Where the Wild Things Are arrive at Gonville kindergarten ... because her uncle, Te Tumatakuru O'Connell, translated it.
By happy coincidence, Mr O'Connell was visiting Wanganui to celebrate his mother's birthday so he headed to the kindy on Thursday to read Kei Reira Nga Weriweri to Nevaeh and her friends.
"Thanks for inviting me to your lovely kindergarten today and inviting me to read the book with you," said Mr O'Connell.
The book, published by Huia Ltd last year, retains Maurice Sendak's original illustrations and cover design with text in te reo.
"It was not hard to translate because I had already been reading it to my own kids in both languages," Mr O'Connell said.
"It is such a well-loved and familiar story that it lends itself well for the purpose."
He is now based in Wellington where he dedicates himself to the revitalisation of Maori language with the Taumauri Trust, an online translation company.
Having gained a Bachelor of Communications at Massey University, Mr O'Connell has worked as kaiwawao - Maori student support at the Wellington Massey campus.
And the Gonville children and teachers enjoyed a nga weriweri-wild thing rumpus at the end of the story and one boy even had his tiger suit on.