Bilingual children's book showcases Samoa's all-important 'ava ceremony

Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa 
The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa

Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata
Illustrated by Ani Huia Ligaliga

The 'ava ceremony is at the heart of Samoan life, essential for marking important occasions and welcoming guests. 

In this bilingual book, in Gagana Samoa and English by orator and teacher Tauanu’u Sitagata, young readers can learn all about the ritual of exchange around the ‘ava drink (known as kava in other parts of the South Pacific.)

With beautiful illustrations by artist Ani Huia Ligaliga, Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa/The 'Ava Ceremony of Samoa outlines the steps in the ceremony and the roles of orators and participants. It explains the items used, food and etiquette of the ceremony, and presentations made between hosts and visitors. 

Drawing on his deep knowledge of fa’asamoa (the Samoan Way), Tauanu’u explains the sequence of making and serving ‘ava, including who does what, and objects used. 

The book concludes with the myth of the ‘ava plant’s origins, here for the first time in written form, with sensitive illustrations.

Co-published by Oratia Books and Auckland Council Libraries, this attractive picture book is releasing in time for Samoa Language Week (31 May–6 June). 

The Author and Illustrator

Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata teaches at McAuley High School in Ōtahuhu and the Centre for Pacific Languages in Manukau. He has received the National Excellence in Teaching Award for his achievements in teaching the Samoan language. His first book, Alagā’upu Fa’asamoa ma Uiga mo Tamaiti/Samoan Proverbs for Children, was published in 2025 and has already reprinted.

Ani Huia Ligaliga is a Māori artist and illustrator based in Hamilton. She illustrated Tauanu'u's previous work, Alagā'upu Fa'asamo ma Uiga mo Tamaiti/Samoan Proverbs for Children (Oratia Books, 2025), and her other published work includes The Ever-Standing Tree by Tim Tipene (Oratia Books, 2024).

Publication Date: 14 May 2026  |  ISBN: 9781991353078  |  RRP $21.00

Paperback, 230 x 215 mm, 32 pages, colour

Samoan Proverbs for Children shares traditional wisdom, language and culture

 

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