O Tomu Kei Popi - Tom and Poppy

'O Tomu Kei Popi - Tom and Poppy' is a Fiji Children's book written entirely in Fijian for children aged 7 to 8 years old. Written by Mrs. Alitia Sila Temo, from RFTA - Retired Fijian Teachers Association, with illustrations by Anare Somumu. It has 17 pages.

This book was written by Fijian teachers for teachers or parents - its intended use is in a classroom setting which is why it is A3 size with large font and bright illustrations. It can be placed on an easel in the front of the classroom and read to children who can view easily. It can also be enjoyed at home or anywhere outside of the classroom where children would want to read or hear Fijian stories.

O Tomu Kei Popi Book Description

Every morning Tomu goes out to feed their pigs. This particular morning, he does not know that his dog, Popi, is following him.

All the pigs are resting sleepily as Tomu pours the food in the food trough. Suddenly, Popi starts barking. The startled piglets run all over the pig sty.Tomu, now angry, throws sods of soil at Popi. Finally, peace is restored and the pigs eat freely from the trough.

Back at home Tomu tells Popi that he will never again accompany him to the pig sty. A collar is tied around Popi’s neck and is then chained to a house post. The main theme in this story is around animal care.

IIS, RFTA & FTA - 10 books in the series

This series of 10 books has been put together by the Institute of Indigenous Studies (IIS) Fiji Ltd, which, in the main, is made up of RFTA (retired Fijian Teachers Association- teachers who have retired from teaching). RFTA is a Branch of Fijian Teachers Association, FTA.

All IIS books in this series

• Na Keda Vuata - Our Fruits
• Na Loga Ni Voivoi Nei Bubu Salote - The Pandanus Plantation of Grandmother Salote
• Na Qoli Vonu - Catching Turtles
• Jone Na Dautataro - Jone The Kind Considerate Boy
• O Mosese Kei Viliame - Mosese & Viliame
• Na Siganisucu Nei Marica - Marica’s Birthday
• O Iratou Na Veitavaleni - The Three Cousins
• O Tomu Kei Popi - Tom & Poppy
• Na Volivolitaki Ena Makete - Selling at the Market
• Na Sisi Ni Qele - Landslide

English notes that explain the illustrations and Fijian text

Fiji Author - Mrs. Alitia Votea Sila Temo

Born and raised in Vunisei, Toga, Rewa. A competent teacher in both English and Fijian in primary and secondary schools. She taught in Central Fijian Secondary School from 1958 – 1994. After retirement she taught in Nauru for 8 years. He wide experience in the knowledge and teaching of the Fijian language and culture and her Rewan dialect makes people consult her on anything Indigenous. A treasure in traditional knowledge and culture. A graduate from the University of the South Pacific with a Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second language [TESL].