Strum a Tune When You're Happy Kei Te Pai

Strum a Tune When You're Happy Kei Te Pai: A Musical Journey Through Emotions By Rebecca Larsen

Looking for a fun and interactive way to help your tamariki explore their emotions? Pūkeko, Kiwi, Hoiho & Friends by Rebecca Larsen is the perfect blend of storytelling, music, and movement. In this vibrant resource, your favorite native birds express their emotions through musical instruments and colors, creating an engaging and joyful experience for children and parents alike.

This interactive story comes with a CD featuring the waiata in both English and te reo Māori, so you can sing along, learn actions, or even grab a few instruments to play along with your tamariki. A QR code also provides a digital audio version, making it simple to listen anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re bonding at home, traveling, or bringing life to a classroom, this book is a powerful way to connect with your tamariki while teaching them to express their feelings in positive, creative ways.

Why We Love It

This book is a resource that’s as entertaining as it is meaningful. The playful story, paired with expressive musical elements, makes it easy for tamariki to connect their emotions to sound and colour. The bilingual waiata (English and te reo Māori creates an excellent opportunity for learning te Reo. It’s vibrant, interactive, and endlessly fun for the whole whānau.

What Results Have We Seen?

Parents, teachers, and whānau have found this resource to be a hit with tamariki. It’s been praised for creating a calm, joyful atmosphere where children can learn to recognise and act out their emotions through music, actions, and play. Many use it as a go-to for quality time and emotional exploration.

How Can You Use It?

At Home: Make emotional expression fun by singing along, playing actions, or using musical instruments. A great car journey go-to as well. 

In the Classroom: Perfect for group learning, helping tamariki explore emotions through interactive storytelling and music. Because the waiata is so familiar too, add emotions to keep the emotional literacy learning, and fun. 

Therapeutic Tool: A creative and gentle way for counselors and therapists to help tamariki process their feelings.

Reviewed by Logan from the Real Parents team for the Mental Health Foundation, Pūkeko, Kiwi, Hoiho & Friends is the ultimate resource for tamariki to learn, laugh, and connect. See his review here

Bring the magic of music, culture, and emotions into your home or classroom—grab your copy today!