Fiji Books
Fiji Baat Children's Book
Fiji-Baat is a Children's book about inter-generational connection, migration, settlement, assimilation, language, identity, and diasporic journeys of homecoming.
Fiji-Baat translates as Fiji-Talk. It is predominantly spoken by the Indo-Fijian population and the people of this diaspora. Other terms such as Fiji-Hindi, Fiji-Hindustani, Hindustani-Baat or simply Hindustani are also used.
Fiji-Baat is the story of an 8-year-old boy who is from Australia. His Mum is Indian-Fijian, and his Dad is Scottish. He accompanies his mother on a trip to see his Nana (grandfather) for Christmas. The young boy arrives in Fiji thinking that his Nana can barely speak English but is surprised to learn the opposite. The grandson and his grandfather then begin a journey of teaching and learning from each other.
Nana comes and sits next to him when he is using his iPad. He asks what his 8-year-old grandson is doing. Once he understands, he mentions that their computer isn’t working and that he used to send emails to his friends who live overseas. Nana is then shown how to send emails from an iPad. They talk about their ancestry and Nana starts teaching his grandson some words in Fiji-Hindustani (also known as Fiji-Baat). The young boy leaves his iPad with his grandfather.
Upon his return to Sydney, he sees an email from Nana who continues to teach him Fiji-Baat with the iPad. The story ends with the young boy saying that he and his Nana now talk weekly, suggesting that they are better connected and that he is learning more about his identity.
About the language - Fiji-Baat/ Fiji-Hindi/ Fiji-Hindustani/ Hindustani-Baat/ Hindustani
The language is the product of influences from other languages that have existed since the Girmit period.
Girmit refers to the ‘Agreement’ made between an Indian Indentured Labourer and the British Government. The labourers, known as the Girmitya’s or Coolie’s, were brought from India. They served for a period of five years. This systematic slavery, came to an end about a hundred years ago. Of the 60,000 labourers that were brought, the majority opted to stay back in Fiji and started a lineage of people called Indo-Fijians.
About the Author
Salvin Kumar worked as a teacher in Taveuni, Suva and Lautoka before moving from Fiji to Australia. He is currently a Youth Worker who supports newly arrived migrants and refugees in St George and Sutherland Shire in New South Wales.
He loves cooking, writes poetry and practises yoga. Fiji-Baat is his first Children's book.
The Mangrove People Children's Book
The Mangrove People Illustrated Children's Book
Fiji Children's book, written and illustrated by Sharon Light. The 5th book in the series. The Mangrove people must find a new home as humans are destroying their mangrove forests. An adventure but dangerous journey for these little mangrove creatures.
Many people think of the mangrove as a swampy, smelly place but it is very important and lots of creatures live there.
Crabs, fish, prawns and shellfish shelter in the roots and various birds, insects and orchids dwell in the upper branches.
It is in the mangrove that baby fish live protected by the roots until they become adults and are able to swim out into the big sea.
This is a story of one little group of mangrove dwellers.
About Sharon Light
Sharon has spent the last 15 years painting apparel, since mid 2003 she has concentrated on paintings. Keen on fishing and diving, currently holding the World Record (women) for great barracuda. Sharon Light is a descendant of a settler family that arrived in Fiji in 1869 to grow cotton in Ra.
Kaluti Fiji Children's Book
When 10-year-old Zia hears her aunt call her ‘kaluti’ and stops her cousin Rani from playing with her outside, she is confused. What did the word ‘kaluti’ mean and what did it have to do with her? Was she no longer good enough to play with Rani because of it?
Worried but determined, she sets off on a mission to find out. Join Zia as she stands up to her bully, discovers what makes her ‘enough’ in this world, and falls in love with the skin she’s in.
Read pages of the book by scrolling through the images.
What is Kaluti about?
Kaluti is a derogatory term used by Fiji-Indians to describe dark-skinned people. It’s derived from the Hindi word kala, meaning black, and is commonly used among South Asian populations around the world, even in the diaspora. Fiji, despite being in the Pacific, is no exception. As colourism is a common form of discrimination faced by millions of brown and black people (especially women and girls) around the world, what Zia experiences in this story, is sadly not unique. But what is unique is how she (and her parents) handle the bullying.
“Zia’s aunt is the bully in this story and this was a deliberate choice on my part. Most of the time it’s the violence – emotional in this case – and the discrimination in the home that we don’t know how to address. It’s difficult to deal with family members. But I wanted to show how it could possibly be addressed constructively…in ways that ensures the child comes to no harm, and adults check their attitude and behaviour. I know readers will relate to Zia and identify with her challenges and her joy. She’s full of life and curiosity. When made to feel like an ‘other’, she tries to make sense of things…even goes on a journey of self-discovery to understand why she is important, why she is enough – it’s not something we want children to be forced to deal with at this age, but I think it’s important our stories reflect reality,” says author Shazia Usman.
“We don’t really have stories that reflect the lives of brown girls, of Indo-Fijian girls, and I want Kaluti to do that. This is the kind of story I would have loved to have read growing up. We need more stories that represent us and are told by us.”
My Ocean Home Fiji Children's Book
My Ocean Home Fiji is a beautiful children's book that tells the story of Tui and his Fijian friends, who explore the magical world under the sea.
Stunning illustrations by award-winning Artist Penelope Casey perfectly capture the wonder and vibrancy of Fiji.
This book will fast become your child's favourite story, beautifully told with stunning artwork, incorporating the Fijian names for each ocean friend they meet on their adventure.
Starfish, Manta Rays, Turtles, Octopus and Jellyfish are just a few of the colourful characters your child will get to know.
From start to finish, My Ocean Home Fiji shows the wonder of the Ocean and the animals who live there, ending on a lovely note of protecting the ocean home for the next visit.
The inside back cover shows more beautiful pictures of the characters in the story, with a description of each one so that your child can learn all about them.
This is a truly special children's book that will captivate all who read it - adults and children!
About Tui's Gang
Tui's Gang is a captivating and vibrant Fijian children’s brand that creates engaging and creative products through the colourful illustrations by acclaimed artist Penelope Casey.
Launching successfully with an initial focus on children’s picture books, Tui's Gang plans to continue creating picture books, along with educational resources such as flash cards and in the future other merchandise.
Tui's Gang aims to develop learning for children not only in Fiji but globally, by sharing the colours, words, sights and sounds from typically Fijian childhoods.
We aim to be well recognised and at the forefront of the Multicultural children’s books and resources genre internationally. Our goal is steady growth and consistent profitability, while still maintaining our childlike sense of fun underpinning the brand.
Taku and the Plastic Bag Children's book
Taku and the Plastic Bag Children's Book
This lovely Fiji Children's Book is written and illustrated by Sharon Light. The second of the Fiji Reef People stories tells the tale of Taku the turtle. He has a very dangerous encounter with a plastic bag. Can his many fishy friends save this friendly little turtle?
About Sharon Light
Sharon has spent the last 15 years painting apparel, since mid 2003 she has concentrated on paintings. Keen on fishing and diving, currently holding the World Record (women) for great barracuda. Sharon Light is a descendant of a settler family that arrived in Fiji in 1869 to grow cotton in Ra.
Bula Buddies Book The Mysterious Shadow
Bula Buddies – an underwater adventure series of books and puzzles by Walt Smith. The Mysterious Shadow is the first book in a 3-part trilogy. Get to know the Bula Buddies book characters - scroll down to read about each Bula Buddies character below.
Help Bula Buddies save the coral reef. A portion of every book or puzzle you purchase will be going to a non-profit organization called ADE. There's an interview below with Author Walt Smith who talks more about ADE and the Bula Buddies Books.
The adventures of the Bula Buddies begins in Viti Village. Viti Village in Fiji is one of many underwater communities that stretch across the South Pacific. Their clan is referred to as the “Vanua”.
The Vanua are very long-lived, some have special abilities that allow the communities to live safely in a sometimes dangerous and changing environment.
Once or twice a generation there’s a teachers council called “The Great Learning”. Dolphins and whales spread the word across the Pacific and the community leaders decide who will attend.
Bula Buddies interview with Author Walt Smith
Kana Vinaka Fiji Cookbook
Kana Vinaka Cookbook
Kana vinaka means "eat well or good food" in Fijian, and is the title of Chef Colin Chung's cookbook about contemporary island cuisine.
The cookbook is split up into sections:
- Flavourings & Seasonings
- Snacks & Starters
- Salads & Soups
- Mains
- Beef
- Pork
- Chicken
- Seafood
- Vegetarian
- Sides & Accompanying dishes
- Baking, Doughs & Desserts
The cookbook features some interesting extra sections:
- Seasonality chart
- Ways to use local produce
- Produce Map
- Tourism Map
- Recipe index
- Glossary
Take a look at the images to see some sample recipes and the welcome note from Colin, explaining his vision behind the cookbook.
About Colin Chung
Throughout his forty years teaching and consulting in the islands, Colin has always promoted the use of fresh, local produce and the development of a more contemporary style of cuisine using the outstanding local produce.
Kana Vinaka is a not-for-profit initiative by Colin and a project he has taken on in the hopes of providing lasting development for the tourism and hospitality industry in Fiji.
Find out more about Colin on his website
A land of plenty
With volcanic soils, plentiful oceans, a tropical climate and an abundance of space, the Fiji Islands have an incredible ability to produce high quality seafood, meat, vegetables and fruit. Across Fiji, local markets showcase an array of products throughout the year that can be utilised in many contemporary ways. At its best, this produce is plentiful, high quality, economical, sustainable and bursting with flavour, with the potential to outshine many widely-used imported ingredients.
Dua Means One Children's Book
Dua means One is a beautiful children's book that introduces your child to numbers as experienced by Tui and his friends on their adventures around Fiji.
Stunning illustrations by award-winning Artist Penelope Casey perfectly capture the wonder and vibrancy of Fiji.
This is a truly special children's book that will captivate all who read it - adults and children!
About Tui's Gang
Tui's Gang is a captivating and vibrant Fijian children’s brand that creates engaging and creative products through the colourful illustrations by acclaimed artist Penelope Casey.
Launching successfully with an initial focus on children’s picture books, Tui's Gang plans to continue creating picture books, along with educational resources such as flash cards and in the future other merchandise.
Tui's Gang aims to develop learning for children not only in Fiji but globally, by sharing the colours, words, sights and sounds from typically Fijian childhoods.
We aim to be well recognised and at the forefront of the Multicultural children’s books and resources genre internationally. Our goal is steady growth and consistent profitability, while still maintaining our childlike sense of fun underpinning the brand.
Colours of Fiji Children's Book
Colours of Fiji is a beautiful children's book that introduces your child to colours as experienced by Tui and his friends on their adventures around Fiji.
Stunning illustrations by award-winning Artist Penelope Casey perfectly capture the wonder and vibrancy of Fiji. The inside back-cover features a summary of the colours introduced in the book, for an easy recap of the colours.
This is a truly special children's book that will captivate all who read it - adults and children!
About Tui's Gang
Tui's Gang is a captivating and vibrant Fijian children’s brand that creates engaging and creative products through the colourful illustrations by acclaimed artist Penelope Casey.
Launching successfully with an initial focus on children’s picture books, Tui's Gang plans to continue creating picture books, along with educational resources such as flash cards and in the future other merchandise.
Tui's Gang aims to develop learning for children not only in Fiji but globally, by sharing the colours, words, sights and sounds from typically Fijian childhoods.
We aim to be well recognised and at the forefront of the Multicultural children’s books and resources genre internationally. Our goal is steady growth and consistent profitability, while still maintaining our childlike sense of fun underpinning the brand.
The Forest People and the Yellow Monsters Child...
The Forest People and the Yellow Monsters Children's Book
The Forest People have been invaded by huge yellow monsters. The monsters are eating up all the trees and plants. Will they ever be able to save their forest home?
This lovely Fiji Children's Book is written and illustrated by Sharon Light.
About Sharon Light
Sharon has spent the last 15 years painting apparel, since mid 2003 she has concentrated on paintings. Keen on fishing and diving, currently holding the World Record (women) for great barracuda. Sharon Light is a descendant of a settler family that arrived in Fiji in 1869 to grow cotton in Ra.
The Reef People and the Fiji Roosters Children'...
The Reef People and the Fiji Roosters Children's Book
When Sand Crab's underwater disco is threatened by a bunch of big, bully, scratchy roosters, Clam Filter decides that something has to be done! But how can a bunch of small reef creatures stand up to nasty, old roosters that don't even belong on the reef.
This lovely Fiji Children's Book is written and illustrated by Sharon Light.
About Sharon Light
Sharon has spent the last 15 years painting apparel, since mid 2003 she has concentrated on paintings. Keen on fishing and diving, currently holding the World Record (women) for great barracuda. Sharon Light is a descendant of a settler family that arrived in Fiji in 1869 to grow cotton in Ra.
Lairo Island Children's Book
Lairo Island Children's Book
A small Fijian village is invaded by hundreds of land crabs. How will the village rid these pesky crabs before they destroy the whole island?
This lovely Fiji Children's Book is written and illustrated by Sharon Light.
About Sharon Light
Sharon has spent the last 15 years painting apparel, since mid 2003 she has concentrated on paintings. Keen on fishing and diving, currently holding the World Record (women) for great barracuda. Sharon Light is a descendant of a settler family that arrived in Fiji in 1869 to grow cotton in Ra.
Bula Buddies Coloring Book
This Coloring and Activity Book by Bula Buddies includes puzzles, games and tear-out pages. The book is based on the Bula Buddies Characters and their adventures.
Bula Buddies is an underwater adventure series of books and puzzles by Walt Smith. The Mysterious Shadow is the first book in a 3-part trilogy. Get to know the Bula Buddies book characters - scroll down to read about each Bula Buddies character below.
Help Bula Buddies save the coral reef. A portion of every book or puzzle you purchase will be going to a non-profit organization called ADE. There's an interview below with Author Walt Smith who talks more about ADE and the Bula Buddies Books.
The adventures of the Bula Buddies begins in Viti Village. Viti Village in Fiji is one of many underwater communities that stretch across the South Pacific. Their clan is referred to as the “Vanua”.
The Vanua are very long-lived, some have special abilities that allow the communities to live safely in a sometimes dangerous and changing environment.
Once or twice a generation there’s a teachers council called “The Great Learning”. Dolphins and whales spread the word across the Pacific and the community leaders decide who will attend.
Bula Buddies interview with Author Walt Smith
Bula Fiji Colouring Book
Bula Fiji Colouring Book is the newest Tui's Gang Children's Book. It features a pull-out A3 colour poster of the illustration on the front cover.
Beautifully illustrated by Penelope Casey, this Fiji Children's book is a treasure that tells the story of Tui and his friends and their lives in the beautiful Fiji islands. Children can learn about Tui's adventures and colour in every page.
Tui and his friends Tia and Joe explore their island home, the story starts on the beach where they meet Api the parrot. The children explore their surroundings, admiring the frangipani and meeting a butterfly, Iguana, frog and crab along the way. They climb trees, swim in a pond, play Rakavi (Rugby) and even go on a Bamboo raft down the river! At the end of the day they eat delicious fruits whilst watching the sunset. Along their adventure they make lots of friends whilst appreciating the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Each scene in the book is beautifully illustrated with the names of the animals in English and Fijian. There are 24 pages to be coloured in plus the pull-out colour poster.
"In the Pacific Ocean, lies the islands of Fiji. Blue skies, ocean breeze and warm sunshine. We swim, we laugh, we run and play. Come with us and explore. We want to show you our beautiful island home, Fiji."
About Tui's Gang
Tui's Gang is a captivating and vibrant Fijian children’s brand that creates engaging and creative products through the colourful illustrations by acclaimed artist Penelope Casey.
Launching successfully with an initial focus on children’s picture books, Tui's Gang plans to continue creating picture books, along with educational resources such as flash cards and in the future other merchandise.
Tui's Gang aims to develop learning for children not only in Fiji but globally, by sharing the colours, words, sights and sounds from typically Fijian childhoods.
We aim to be well recognised and at the forefront of the Multicultural children’s books and resources genre internationally.
Tui's Gang Colouring Book
Tui’s Gang Colouring and Activity book is a wonderful Children’s colouring-in book telling the story of Tui and his friends in Fiji.
Featuring artwork by award-winning Artist Penelope Casey, this colouring book will keep children happy and occupied for hours.
Right from the first page, which has ‘this book was coloured by’ and a space for the child’s name, this well-thought out children’s book will allow your child’s imagination to take flight to the colourful island paradise of Fiji.
The book begins with the sun coming up on Tui beating a Fijian drum (Lali) to wake everyone up. Tui takes a stroll along the beach, playing with a Davui shell and calling his friends to come meet him.
His adventure sees him taking a quick swim with his friends, before heading to the market place, another vibrant part of Fiji life.
The colouring book’s 43 pages are filled with many creative and wonderful scenes of life in Fiji as Tui goes about his day. The book showcases the beautiful animals, flowers and natural scenery, as well as the warmth and hospitality of Fijian culture.
There’s even a simple recipe for your child to follow, as well as puzzles such as connect-the-dots and a crossword. All woven together with beautiful pictures on each page waiting to be coloured in.
Penelope Casey has masterfully created a colouring in book that is fun and educational, using beautiful artwork to connect with your child and take them on their very own Fiji adventure.
About Tui's Gang
Tui's Gang is a captivating and vibrant Fijian children’s brand that creates engaging and creative products through the colourful illustrations by acclaimed artist Penelope Casey.
Launching successfully with an initial focus on children’s picture books, Tui's Gang plans to continue creating picture books, along with educational resources such as flash cards and in the future other merchandise.
Tui's Gang aims to develop learning for children not only in Fiji but globally, by sharing the colours, words, sights and sounds from typically Fijian childhoods.
We aim to be well recognised and at the forefront of the Multicultural children’s books and resources genre internationally. Our goal is steady growth and consistent profitability, while still maintaining our childlike sense of fun underpinning the brand.
Children's Jigsaw Puzzle
This 204 piece Fiji Jigsaw Puzzle for children features a scene from the Bula Buddies book 'The Mysterious Shadow'. The Puzzle comes with a poster.
Bula Buddies is an underwater adventure series of books and puzzles by Walt Smith. Get to know the Bula Buddies book characters - scroll down to read about each Bula Buddies character below.
Help Bula Buddies save the coral reef. A portion of every puzzle you purchase will be going to a non-profit organization called ADE. There's an interview below with Author Walt Smith who talks more about ADE and the Bula Buddies Books.
The adventures of the Bula Buddies begins in Viti Village. Viti Village in Fiji is one of many underwater communities that stretch across the South Pacific. Their clan is referred to as the “Vanua”.
The Vanua are very long-lived, some have special abilities that allow the communities to live safely in a sometimes dangerous and changing environment.
Once or twice a generation there’s a teachers council called “The Great Learning”. Dolphins and whales spread the word across the Pacific and the community leaders decide who will attend.
Bula Buddies interview with Author Walt Smith
Learn the Colours Flash Cards
Learn the Colours Flash Cards are a beautiful set of cards which capture the attention of children and adults alike.
Each card is dedicated to a colour while teaching the respective name in English and Fijian, along with a delightful illustration of Fijian life.
Stunning illustrations by award-winning Artist Penelope Casey perfectly capture the wonder and vibrancy of Fiji. A wonderful way to teach your child colours.
About Tui's Gang
Tui's Gang is a captivating and vibrant Fijian children’s brand that creates engaging and creative products through the colourful illustrations by acclaimed artist Penelope Casey.
Launching successfully with an initial focus on children’s picture books, Tui's Gang plans to continue creating picture books, along with educational resources such as flash cards and in the future other merchandise.
Tui's Gang aims to develop learning for children not only in Fiji but globally, by sharing the colours, words, sights and sounds from typically Fijian childhoods.
We aim to be well recognised and at the forefront of the Multicultural children’s books and resources genre internationally. Our goal is steady growth and consistent profitability, while still maintaining our childlike sense of fun underpinning the brand.
Learn the Numbers Flash Cards
Learn the Numbers Flash Cards are a beautiful set of cards which show the numbers with illustrations.
Learning numbers can be fun for all ages! These 10 beautifully illustrated flash cards will capture the imagination of users, while being a fun and educational way to learn the numbers 1-10 in English & Fijian.
Stunning illustrations by award-winning Artist Penelope Casey perfectly capture the wonder and vibrancy of Fiji.
These flash cards are a special tool to that will allow children to learn numbers whilst also being captivated by the beautiful illustrations of life in Fiji.
About Tui's Gang
Tui's Gang is a captivating and vibrant Fijian children’s brand that creates engaging and creative products through the colourful illustrations by acclaimed artist Penelope Casey.
Launching successfully with an initial focus on children’s picture books, Tui's Gang plans to continue creating picture books, along with educational resources such as flash cards and in the future other merchandise.
Tui's Gang aims to develop learning for children not only in Fiji but globally, by sharing the colours, words, sights and sounds from typically Fijian childhoods.
We aim to be well recognised and at the forefront of the Multicultural children’s books and resources genre internationally. Our goal is steady growth and consistent profitability, while still maintaining our childlike sense of fun underpinning the brand.
