The illustrated children’s book “Cries from the Moana,” which highlights the dangers of seabed mining in the Pacific Ocean, has received international acclaim following its win of the 2024 UK Rubery Award.
The Rubery Prize is a prestigious international accolade that recognizes self-published authors and independent publishers, often likened to the renowned MAN Booker Prize and Costa Prize for traditional publishing.
The Book of the Year is selected from all category winners—including Fiction, Poetry, Short Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children/Young Adult—with the top winner receiving a prize of £2,000 (approximately 5,800 Fijian dollars).
Set in the fictional town of Haumana on the island of Tungia, “Cries from the Moana” earned the 2024 Book of the Year Award and also received honors in the Children and Young Adult category.
The book pays tribute to Pacific indigenous science and navigation traditions, emphasizing themes such as family, teamwork, disability inclusion, and the deep connection Pacific Islanders share with the ocean (moana). It creatively weaves adventure, traditional mythology, fantasy, and marine education into its narrative, supported by over 100 illustrations that reveal the vibrant and often hidden ecosystems of the deep ocean—an area critical to human survival yet increasingly vulnerable to the destructive impacts of mineral extraction.
“Cries from the Moana” was a collaborative effort involving three generations of a Fijian-Pacific Island family. It is authored by ‘Atu Emberson-Bain, a Tongan native, and illustrated by her daughter Anga’aefonu Bain-Vete. Two granddaughters, aged seven and six, also contributed illustrations.
Julian Aguon, an acclaimed author and indigenous human rights attorney from Guam, remarked on the book’s powerful messaging, stating it uniquely combines magic and beauty to deliver a compelling argument against deep-sea mining.
Dame Meg Taylor, a former leader of the Pacific Elders Voice, praised the book’s integration of language, culture, and captivating illustrations, stating it effectively engages young readers in important discussions about deep-sea mining and its implications.
In addition to the two Rubery Awards, “Cries from the Moana” has achieved further 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 Nautilus Book Awards.
The book has been selected for Class 6 pupils at International School Suva in 2024. While aimed at children aged 8 to 12, it is expected to appeal to readers of all ages. Kaliopate Tavola, a former Fijian diplomat, recommends the book to anyone concerned about climate change and deep-sea mining, highlighting its significance for members of the Pacific Parliamentarians Alliance and participants of the Biennial Conference on climate issues.
“Cries from the Moana” is available for purchase at various locations in Fiji, including the University of the South Pacific Book Centre, Fiji Museum, and Baka Books, as well as in public libraries in Wellington and Auckland, showcasing its reach in both Pacific and international markets.