The illustrated children’s book “Cries from the Moana,” which highlights the dangers of seabed mining in the Pacific Ocean, has gained international recognition after winning the 2024 UK Rubery Award.
The Rubery Prize is a prestigious international award that celebrates self-published authors and independent publishers, often compared to the MAN Booker Prize and Costa Prize in the realm of self-publication.
The overall Book of the Year is selected from winners across various categories—Fiction, Poetry, Short Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children/Young Adult—and the winner receives a prize of £2,000 or approximately 5,800 Fijian dollars.
“Cries from the Moana,” a 122-page story set in Haumana on the mythical island of Tungia, won the 2024 Book of the Year Award as well as the awards for Children and Young Adult categories.
The book celebrates Pacific indigenous science, navigation history, family, teamwork, and disability inclusion, while conveying the deep connection Pacific Islanders share with the ocean (moana). It intertwines adventure, traditional myths, fantasy, and ocean education.
With over 100 illustrations, “Cries from the Moana” provides insight into the captivating yet often overlooked realm of the deep ocean and seabed, which is vital for human survival but faces serious threats due to the impacts of mineral extraction.
The creation of the book involved collaboration among three generations of a Fijian-Pacific Island family. It is authored by ‘Atu Emberson-Bain, who is of Tongan descent, with illustrations by her daughter Anga’aefonu (Fonu) Bain-Vete. Two of her grandchildren, Tahi and Mahina Bain-Vete, aged seven and six, also contributed artwork.
Renowned author and indigenous rights attorney Julian Aguon praised the book, calling it a children’s fable that serves as both a warning and a compelling argument against deep-sea mining presented through beauty and wonder.
Dame Meg Taylor, former Secretary-General of Pacific Elders Voice, expressed admiration for how the story and visuals capture the essence of the Pacific, stating that the book engages readers in important conversations about deep-sea mining.
In addition to the two Rubery awards, “Cries from the Moana” has secured multiple accolades, including the 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 the Gold Medal for Middle Grade Fiction from the Nautilus Book Awards.
The book has been selected for Class 6 students at International School Suva in 2024 and is recommended for readers of all ages, particularly those interested in climate change and deep-sea mining issues.
“Cries from the Moana” is available for purchase at various locations in Fiji, including the University of the South Pacific Book Centre and Baka Books, as well as in 40 public libraries in Wellington and Auckland, the Te Papa Museum, and various independent and university bookstores in New Zealand.