Illustrated Myths and Legends of the Pacific by A.W. Reed

Illustrated Myths and Legends of the Pacific
 (2007, Reed Books)

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. Although Tuvalu and Kiribati miss out for some reason.
   Jennifer Cooper is the illustrator and she has done a tremendous job. Even on pages without a major illustration, she has created borders or motifs at the edge of the text, that depict island lifestyles.
   A wonderful children's book and a great resource for teachers who need to implement a bit of Pasifika into the curriculum.

Legends of the Cook Islands by Shona Hopkins

Legends of the Cook Islands (Penguin, 2010)

This picture story book is just beautiful. The illustrations by Bruce Potter are detailed, colourful and realistic. They appear to be done in coloured pencil and ink, but I'm no expert at this. His depiction of faces and his figure drawing in general is very good.

   There are eight stories all together and some of them have links with Maori legends. My favourite stroies were 'Ati and the Water Fairies' and 'Tangiia and the Sea Turtle'. The story about the stolen mountain called Maru was also a good one.

   Whilst reading to my children some of the polynesian names and words were hard to get my tongue around but there is a glossary in the back to help with comprehension. The text is simple and clear but doesn't talk down to readers. I found this a good one to read to my pikininis and they loved the pictures of whales, sharks and turtles.