The illustrated children’s book “Cries from the Moana” has gained international attention after winning the 2024 UK Rubery Award, highlighting the dangers of seabed mining in the Pacific Ocean.
The Rubery Prize is a prestigious international award that recognizes the work of self-published authors and independent publishers, akin to the MAN Booker and Costa Prize in traditional publishing.
The top prize of £2,000 (approximately 5,800 Fijian dollars) is awarded to the Book of the Year, selected from winners in various categories including Fiction, Poetry, Short Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children/Young Adult.
“Cries from the Moana,” a 122-page story situated in Haumana on the mythical island of Tungia, was crowned the 2024 Book of the Year as well as the winner in the Children and Young Adult categories.
The book celebrates the history of Pacific indigenous science and navigation, emphasizing themes of family, teamwork, disability inclusion, and the deep connection Pacific Islanders have with the ocean (moana). It combines elements of adventure, traditional mythology, fantasy, and ocean education.
With more than 100 illustrations, the book offers readers a glimpse into the unexplored depths of the ocean, which are vital for human survival yet are increasingly jeopardized by the negative impacts of mineral extraction activities.
The creation of “Cries from the Moana” involved a collaboration among three generations of a Fijian-Pacific Island family. The story is penned by ‘Atu Emberson-Bain, who has two sons, Siale and Melino Bain-Vete, and illustrated by their daughter Anga’aefonu (Fonu) Bain-Vete. Furthermore, two of their grandchildren, Tahi and Mahina Bain-Vete, aged seven and six, respectively, contributed to the artwork.
Julian Aguon, an acclaimed author and indigenous human rights attorney from Guam, praised the book for its enchanting quality, stating that it serves as both a children’s fable and a powerful argument against deep-sea mining, conveyed through beauty and wonder rather than debate.
Dame Meg Taylor, former Secretary-General of the Pacific Elders Voice and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, commended the book for its seamless blend of language, culture, and narratives, expressing how the vivid illustrations of deep-sea creatures captivated her.
Moreover, “Cries from the Moana” has garnered additional accolades, including a Silver Medal for Illustrations from the 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, a Bronze Medal for Regional Fiction from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, and a Gold Medal for Middle Grade Fiction from the 2024 Nautilus Book Awards.
The book has been selected for International School Suva’s Class 6 pupils in 2024, appealing to both young readers and adults alike. Kaliopate Tavola, a former Fijian diplomat, has recommended it to those concerned about climate change and deep-sea mining.
“Cries from the Moana” is available at various locations in Fiji, including the University of the South Pacific Book Centre, Fiji Museum, and Baka Books, and can also be found in many libraries and bookstores in New Zealand.