Tasi's Gift is a touching story about Tuala, a young girl who learns the value of selfless giving from her grandfather Tasi. Taking place on Upolu Island in Sāmoa, at a time long before the present, Tasi, the most famous bowl carver in all of Sāmoa, must prepare a kava bowl beautiful enough for the new Matai, the Chief of their village. Together, Tasi and Tuala go off in search of an ifilele, a native termite resistant hardwood, that can be cut and carved into a bowl. This bowl is to be presented at a traditional fiafia, a celebratory event.

As the two travel through the forest of Upolu they encounter indigenous animals. Throughout their journey, Tasi uses the natural setting to teach Tuala about the relationship people have with the land and creatures around them, imparting a valuable lesson on how to respectfully treat others. 

The story introduces readers to traditional Sāmoan cultural practices and part of the story about how the natural environment’s patterns, symbols, and motifs that decorate so many aspects of Sāmoan culture.

Originally published by Calabash Books, this beloved title is now back in print through Bess Press.

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Authors 

Dr. Tamara Montgomery, Professor Emeritus, is a retired Director of the Youth Theatre Graduate Program at the University of Hawaiʻi. For over 40-years she taught Children’s Theatre, Mask Making, Creative Drama, and Puppetry. She is the author of several books on educational puppetry, children’s picture books, and poetry.

Illustrator

Joseph P. Dodd is a retired Professor of Theatre, Scenic Design, and Creative Thinking. He was the former Director of Design for the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He has illustrated several children’s books related to Pacific Island content and themes.

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hardcover   |   36 pages   |   8.5" x 11.5"   |   color