Emmaline Pickering-Martin reviews two stunning middle-grade books written by Pasifika authors.
Mata Lulu, written by Lani Young and illustrated by Bella Young
The novelty of laying in bed reading to my children wore off quite early for me as a mother. So when we were introduced to the book Mata Lulu, a collection of short stories for Samoan children, I thought it might be nice to use the opportunity to read aloud again before bed with my 12-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son, both of whom, thanks to their father and their ancestors, happen to be Samoan. Over a week we read all of the stories before bedtime—and what a journey it was.
Mata Lulu in Fijian translates to ‘Owl Face’ and in Samoan is ‘Owl Eyes,’ which was used in the opening story as a way that young people mocked someone who had big eyes. The first story in Mata Lulu is based on Samoan oral history that talks of owls and guardians, with a twist. It reminded me very much of growing up in the islands and the relationship I had with my Nana. She was always telling me stories of animals, objects and spirits that were related to guardianship with some sort of good and bad aspect to them. For my children, however, the experience of this story (and many others in this book) was completely different.
Through reading this book I realised it is an excellent way to expose Samoan children in the diaspora to parts of their culture and themselves in a fun and non-confrontational way
My children are all Aotearoa-born and as such, they had a million questions—everything from asking for translations of words to asking for the ‘real’ meaning behind seemingly ordinary storytelling. Through reading this book I realised it is an excellent way to expose Samoan children in the diaspora to parts of their culture and themselves in a fun and non-confrontational way. There are stories about culture, nature, people and disasters. Stories filled with love and care all wrapped up with nuance and language that gives children a home within the stories.
The familiarity with the Samoan language throughout the book was a highlight for my children in particular. My kids who have grown up with a dad and grandparents who are Samoan language speakers found themselves understanding more than they realised they could, and pointing it out too: “Dad says that when he’s grumpy” or “That sounds just like Nana when she is telling us off for being fiapoto.” More than anything, though, it piqued their interest in the land of their ancestors. Reading about the tsunami made my 12-year-old Google to see what it was truly like. Reading about insects that bite and the oral history that goes with that reminded my seven-year-old that there were so many bugs he had not yet encountered that live in the tropics, and later had us on Google looking up centipedes and their beautiful structures.
Mata Lulu is more than just a collection of short stories for Samoan children, it is a beautiful connection to culture through storytelling
Mata Lulu is more than just a collection of short stories for Samoan children, it is a beautiful connection to culture through storytelling. It is a way for our diasporic Samoan children to learn a little (even if it is based in fiction) and to find texts relatable and fun. The illustrations were beautiful and helped the kids reflect on the stories, and lit up their imaginations. Truth be told, I really enjoyed our reading-aloud sessions before bed. I don’t know if it’s because I found the stories really relatable as someone who grew up in the islands, or if it was seeing how much joy it brought the kids. Either way, it’s a definite YES, GO AND READ IT from our whānau. It’s an excellent source of connection to home for young children and a beautiful way to add to their sense of belonging as Pacific kids. To end I shall quote Miss 12 and Master 7 …
“That was a really fun book Mum, some of the stories I didn’t get at first but then when we talked about what they really meant it was really interesting. I think other Samoan kids will like it too, especially if they read it with someone who can help translate stuff with them. I really liked it.” —Miss 12
“It was okay sometimes cos I didn’t really know some of the things but I liked you reading to me with your voices like all the people in the story and sometimes your voice sounds like Nana when she growls at us. But it was good cos there were lots of stories and the ones about the bugs was so cool but scary and the one about the people saying sorry and apologising was so sad but it was good cos we are all family. I really liked the stories and I did lots of learning.” —Master 7
Mata Lulu
Written by Lani Young
Illustrated by Bella Young
Published by Nafanua Press
RRP: $35.00
A New Dawn, by Emeli Sione
A New Dawn by Emeli Sione is a personal account of Emeli migrating to Aotearoa and her experience of the Dawn Raids. It is a beautifully written and personal story that humanises a really tough time in the history of Aotearoa, and Pacific peoples’ place within it. As someone who has taught about the Dawn Raids before in classrooms for both young children and tertiary students, I find this book would be a very useful resource for learners of all ages. Aside from this, I think it is an excellent book to add to your home collection.
A New Dawn… is a beautifully written and personal story that humanises a really tough time in the history of Aotearoa, and Pacific peoples’ place within it
The way in which Emeli shares her story is so brave; not many people who lived through the Dawn Raids era like to talk about it openly, and there is still so much stigma and pain that runs deep within Pacific communities. So, to read a story so personal was refreshing and, I believe, a beautiful way to show others that healing can begin through sharing. The story was raw and honest and appropriate for children and adults.
The book also contains short summaries of the Dawn Raids themselves, what occurred and why so many Pacific people were targeted at that time. Summaries of the Polynesian Panthers, a political activism group started during the time of the Dawn Raids, are also included and to some extent explain their work and its importance. The book also discusses the Dawn Raids Apology which took place in August 2021; it explains the ‘Ifoga’ process and has a copy of the speech by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
To read a story so personal was refreshing and, I believe, a beautiful way to show others that healing can begin through sharing
The book is both a beautiful read and an excellent learning resource for everyone, and I would highly recommend reading it to familiarise yourself with the reality that families who lived through this time faced. I am so grateful for Emeli’s strength and bravery in sharing something that many people are still struggling to come to terms with. It is truly a gift for our Pacific peoples.
Emmaline Pickering-Martin
Emmaline Pickering-Martin is a Māmā and a writer based in Tāmaki. She holds a Masters degree in Pacific Studies and works for Waipapa Taumata Rau as the Pacific Media Advisor and E Tipu E Rea Whānau Services as the Policy and Advocacy Lead.