From the back cover: WAINAMU - The Town By the Sea tells the story of an imaginary New Zealand town through a thousand eventful years. From the time of the first moa-hunting Maori to the creation of a modern town, this a story typical of many a New Zealand community and its people.
Above are three example pages from this fully illustrated book written by Gordon Ell. For a few hours of reading, you are fully immersed in a small town on New Zealand's coast through 1000 years of history. The town began as a tiny settlement for early arrivals in a canoe to a large town of 13,000 people during the 1970s.
It traces the typical history of New Zealand with the arrival of Maori, European sealers and traders, Captain Cook, immigrants, New Zealand Wars, Gold Rush, World Wars, settlement and farming, growth, etc. Everything is imaginary, but everything is typical 'kiwi'. Gordon Ells is a clever writer. He is very clear in his writing and it's also interesting - you want to know what happens to the town.
This is a great book for studying New Zealand history - especially as an introduction for primary-aged children. If you can find a copy, grab it and read it together.
I want to find more of Gordon Ell's books. He has written a series of nature books for children, but sadly they are out of print, and copies are scarce. I will hunt for them, but focus on finding newer books that are easier to buy.