Pacific Myths and Legends by AW Reed and Jenny Cooper

This stunning illustrated book captures stories from the Pacific that were handed down orally for centuries. Now, these traditional stories from Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwi/the Pacific Ocean are presented in beautiful book form in a production that will engage the whole family. The tales are steeped in sunshine, nature and enduring island people.

These myths and legends are full of adventure, danger, courage, hope, love, magical creatures and much more. There are 20 tales in all that originate from Aotearoa, the Caroline Islands, the Chatham Islands, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawai’i, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Britain, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

In the stories, there are men who try to capture a sunbeam, others who try to interfere with a shining moon, a boy who came from a sun egg, sea fairies, squabbling siblings, inventing the first sail, fires and volcanoes, and creatures large and small.

AW Reed passed away in 1979, and he was one of New Zealand’s most influential writers and publishers. The stories he has captured are truly timeless.  Jenny Cooper is a respected artist and her illustrations are detailed and beautiful, adding another level of enjoyment to this book that is destined to be a classic.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Oratia Books