This week eight bilingual Tuvalu children’s books were launched as part of the celebrations for Tuvalu Language Week.
The books cover legends and stories from each of Tuvalu’s eight islands.
The books were published by the Tuvalu Auckland Community Trust working with Tuvaluan historian Alamai Sioni and Tuvalu teacher Meliele Kaveinga alongside local elders. They were edited by author David Riley and illustrated by Niuean Samoan Chad Robertson.
11-year-old Puava Puatua says she likes the books because she’s able to learn new Tuvalu words from it.
Co-author Meliele Kaveinga says it’s very important our stories are told.
“The dual books will help the New Zealand born Tuvaluans to learn the language and a bit more about our culture,” she says.
The books can be ordered through the Tuvalu Auckland Community Trust [email protected]