O le aiga Samoa

There is something new and refreshing about this bilingual comic book. The Samoan language and traditional cultural values combined with the modern illustrations make it a unique and welcomed addition to the world of Pacific language resources.

The reader is introduced to Penina, Mataio, Ioane and Sarona, who represent the modern day ‘Samoa family,’ and become our guides within the dual language book. The family’s everyday experiences help to breathe life into samoan cultural values that are highlighted by seven mini stories, all which provide ample teaching opportunities for readers and language learners.

The Samoa Family/O le aiga Samoa, cleverly uses the family context and engaging comic book format to achieve its goal of creating, “a helpful tool for everyone especially our young people to not only engage with the language but also understand the values of Samoan culture.” It also represents and supports the journey of many samoan diaspora, living outside of Samoa, who are wanting to reclaim and retain their language and connection to their culture, while also enabling non-Samoan to learn and understand the samoan way of life.

P.S. Access is key to language learning, which is why the creators of The Samoa Family have it available to read online here

Title: The Samoa Family / O le aiga Samoa

Author: Nafanuatele Lafitaga Mafaufau

Illustrator: MichelMulipola

Translator: Nafanuatele Lafitaga Mafaufau

Publisher: Bloody Samoan Art Studio

ISBN: 9780473553814

RRP: $35.00

Format: Paperback

Publication: 2020

Ages: All ages. Suitable for shared reading (5-8 yrs), guided reading (8-12 yrs) and independent reading (8 yrs+)

Reviewer: Dahlia Malaeulu, teacher, author and creator of Mila’s Books, Wellington.

How are you recommending this book? Highly Recommended

Opening sentence: Tidy up the lounge, people are here. Tapena le potu, ua о̄ mai tagata.

You can buy this book here