Pacific Myths and Legends | A. W. Reed; Jenny Cooper (Illustrator)

- The most comprehensive collection of Pacific myths and legends available - Stunning colour illustrations bring the stories to life - Attractive and very giftable production - From the little people of Hawai'i to the love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai in Rotorua, Pacific storytelling is embodied in this classic collection. Passed down orally for centuries as peoples spread out across the Pacific, these myths and legends were retold by the great A.W. Reed and are accompanied by colour illustrations from noted artist Jenny Cooper in this new edition. Here are traditional stories that embody the range of human emotion and experience, for lovers of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean. They are steeped in sunshine, a love of nature and the independence of these venturing and resilient peoples. The 20 stories originate from: Caroline Islands, Chatham Islands/Rekohu, Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawai'i, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Britain, New Guinea, New Zealand/Aotearoa, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

'This book is gorgeous because the watercolour illustrations are so realistic and engaging. But the stories also range from humorous, such as the 'Foolish Canoe Paddlers', to dark, such as the story from Vanuatu called the 'Six Men Who Tried to Catch a Sunbeam'. Many Pacific Island nations are represented.'- Review of previous edition by Beth Montgomery, Island Stories website, August 2014

A.W. Reed (1908-1979) was one of New Zealand's most influential writers and publishers. He helped build A.H. & A.W. Reed into the country's leading publisher, and authored more than 200 books. His works on Maori mythology have served New Zealanders for several generations.Jenny Cooper is a prolific children's book illustrator. With a background in graphic design, Cooper has illustrated numerous picture books, including Rugby for Rosie (written by Frances Adlam), The Mad Tadpole Adventure (by Melanie Drewery) and Joy Cowley's Duck Walk. Cooper has spent time in Western Samoa, and she enjoys producing illustrations relevant to Pasifika and Maori children.