Author(s): Irene Webley; Sione Tapani Mangisi (Translator)

Picture Books

This is a story in Tongan and English for primary school children. Readers are invited to use their creative drawing skills to join the story. Set in Tonga readers meet Mele, Amelia and Semisi, (two sisters and their brother) trying to solve the problem of how to help new friends, Tom and Tessa, celebrate their birthday. Tom and Tessa are twins who are in Mele's class. They have just arrived in Tonga and miss their friends in New Zealand. Mele, Semisi and Amelia work with their parents and teachers to organise the best party ever. The challenge for readers is to use their creative skills, particularly drawing, to help make this party really wonderful for Tom and Tessa. Written in Tongan and English, presented in parallel text, the book can be read in either or both languages. It is designed to help parents and grandparents build their children's use and understanding of Tongan, even if they're living in a mainly English speaking environment.