The illustrated children’s book “Cries from the Moana,” which highlights the dangers of seabed mining in the Pacific Ocean, has received the prestigious 2024 UK Rubery Award, elevating its international profile.
The Rubery Prize is a distinguished international award that celebrates self-published authors and independent publishers, often compared to the MAN Booker Prize and Costa Prize in the traditional publishing arena.
Among its accolades, “Cries from the Moana” was named the 2024 Book of the Year, winning a top prize of £2,000 (approximately 5,800 Fijian dollars), selected from category winners in various genres including Fiction, Poetry, Short Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children/Young Adult.
Set in Haumana on the mythical island of Tungia, the 122-page book won the coveted Book of the Year Award as well as honors in the Children and Young Adult categories.
This book celebrates Pacific indigenous knowledge, navigation, and the vital connections shared among family, community, and the ocean (moana). It weaves together themes of adventure, traditional folklore, fantasy, and ocean education.
With over 100 captivating illustrations, the book immerses readers in the ocean’s rich and elusive ecosystem, showcasing its life-sustaining beauty and the imminent dangers posed by mineral extraction activities on the seabed.
“Cries from the Moana” is a family collaboration that involves three generations. The narrative was written by ‘Atu Emberson-Bain, a Tongan native, and illustrated by her daughter Anga’aefonu Bain-Vete. Additionally, Emberson-Bain’s grandchildren, Tahi and Mahina Bain-Vete, contributed to the artwork.
Julian Aguon, a respected author and indigenous human rights lawyer from Guam, praised the book, stating, “Cries from the Moana is a children’s fable, a warning narrative, and a loud cry for justice all at once.”
Dame Meg Taylor, former Secretary-General of Pacific Elders Voice, noted the book’s ability to blend language and customs, drawing readers into the Pacific’s vibrant environment and the important conversations surrounding deep-sea mining.
In addition to winning two Rubery Awards, “Cries from the Moana” earned several other honors: the Silver Medal for Illustrations at the 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the Bronze Medal for Regional Fiction from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, and the Gold Medal for Middle Grade Fiction at the 2024 Nautilus Book Awards.
The book has been selected for Class 6 pupils at International School Suva in 2024 but is suitable for readers of all ages. Kaliopate Tavola, a former Fijian diplomat, endorsed the book, urging those concerned about climate change and deep-sea mining to read it.
“Cries from the Moana” is available at multiple locations in Fiji, including the University of the South Pacific Book Centre, Fiji Museum, Baka Books, and various retail outlets. It can also be found in 40 public libraries in Wellington and Auckland and at several independent and university bookstores in New Zealand.