Alagā’upu Fa’asamoa Ma Uiga mo Tamaiti
Samoan Proverbs for Children
Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata
Illustrated by Ani Huia Ligaliga
Out for Samoan Language Week, a new book presents Samoan proverbs with explanations for children
Traditional wisdom that can inspire and guide the kids of today — that’s the concept for a bilingual picture book that will be published in time for Samoa Language Week 2025.
Alagā’upu Fa’asamoa Ma Uiga mo Tamaiti features 30 Samoan proverbs, vividly illustrated, with translations and explanations in both Gagana Samoa and English.
Designed to introduce children to the rich cultural heritage of Samoa, the book conveys proverbs that guide family life, leadership, education, the environment and more.
Teacher, translator and community leader Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata draws on a wealth of traditional wisdom that can appeal to younger readers of all ethnicities in Aotearoa.
He and emerging artist Ani Huia Ligaliga worked with Oratia Books in partnership with Auckland Libraries to prepare the book.
Publication will be in early May ahead of Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week 2025 (1–7 June).
The author
Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata was born and raised in Samoa and lives in Auckland. An eminent orator and community leader, he teaches at McAuley High School in Ōtahuhu and the Centre for Pacific Languages in Manukau.
The illustrator
Ani Huia Ligaliga is a Māori artist and illustrator. She studied art at Brigham Young University, Hawai’i. Her other illustrations include The Ever-Standing Tree. Ani lives in Hamilton.
Publication: 6 May 2025 | ISBN: 978-1-99-004270-6 | RRP $21.00
Paperback, 230 x 215 mm portrait, 32 pages, colour