Book Author & Illustrator A.W. Reed & Jenny Cooper
Rights Available World excl. ANZ
From the little people of Hawai‘i to the love story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai in New Zealand, Pacific storytelling is embodied in this classic collection.
Passed down orally for centuries as peoples spread out across the Pacific, these myths and legends were retold by the great A.W. Reed and are accompanied by colour illustrations from noted artist Jenny Cooper.
Here are traditional stories that embody the range of human emotion and experience, for lovers of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean. They are steeped in sunshine, a love of nature and the independence of these venturing and resilient peoples.
The 20 stories originate from: Caroline Islands, Chatham Islands/Rēkohu, Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawai’i, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Britain, New Guinea, New Zealand/Aotearoa, Niue, Palau, Sāmoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
About the Author
A.W. Reed (1908–1979) was one of New Zealand’s most influential writers and publishers. He helped build A.H. & A.W. Reed into the country’s leading publisher by the mid-twentieth century, and authored more than 200 books. His works on Māori and Pacific mythology have served New Zealanders for several generations; among those in print with Oratia Books are He Atua, He Tangata: The World of Māori Mythology, Favourite Māori Legends and Māori Place Names.
Jenny Cooper is an award-winning artist who has illustrated a wide range of books during her distinguished career. She lived in Apia, Western Samoa, and taught high school for several years when her children were young, and still retains links with her Samoan family through her adult children. Jenny lives in Amberley, North Canterbury.
Publisher
Oratia Books
Extent
120 pp, colour
Format
260 x 225 mm portrait
Binding
Paperback
Category
Non-Fiction
Genre
Myths and legends; Oceania
Publication Date
5 November 2026
Rights Available:
World excl. ANZ
Rights Agents:
World
Peter Dowling, Oratia Books
peter@oratia.co.nz
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