Oratia Books is proud to announce a new series to bring bilingual reading about the South Pacific to children in New Zealand and the islands.
Devised and delivered by Carolyn Lagahetau, Oratia’s Niuean-Kiwi editorial director, the Moana Oceania Series aims to address the lack of good reading materials about the South Pacific not only in English but also in local languages.
The non-fiction books that kick off the series provide an introduction to two Polynesian island nations, aimed at for readers aged 8 and over but accessible by all ages, and produced by Pasifika creatives.
One important focus is how Pasifika peoples maintain and adapt their culture living in Aotearoa. Sāmoa author Dahlia Malaeulu provides a comprehensive overview of life for Samoans in the islands and in New Zealand, with her English text translated into Gagana Samoa by Tapaau Auvaa (the book includes a section on language basics).
An important feature is its explanation of Fa’asāmoa, the fundamental values of Samoan life, including connection to ‘āiga (family), nu’u (village), land and religion.
Illustrated with full colour photographs and illustrations throughout, and numerous boxes of information to make the text easy to access, these first entries in the Moana Oceania Series bring the South Pacific closer to all of us.
