New South Books
Merwez Whaleboat, illustrated by Sharon Phineasa
9781922752239
October 2026
AUD$27.95, NZD$32.99
Just absolutely wow! I knew this looked like it would be beautiful and it’s another Torres Strait book so was always going to be on my request list but truly, seeing it for real, is just the most glorious experience. Yes, the narrative is terrific. Merwez Whaleboat has conveyed the deep affection between these generations of women: girl, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother with such resonance. And Swana going night fishing with Kaied, her grandmother – her favourite thing to do – is such an evocative way to show readers the depths not only of the beauty of the islands and Country, but the spirituality of the people as well.
“The driving force is the relationship between women. When I lived on Murray Island and lived with my grandmother, we spent a lot of time outdoors. I remembered that lifestyle and how everything was different on the mainland. I was obsessed with the Moon at that time.” Merwez.
Interspersed with words in language – covered in a glossary in the back matter – your readers will love learning new words especially for the creatures such as the little gecko or the leaping mackerel, and featuring such a stunning design with full colour spreads, some double spreads, with ‘spotlight’ vignettes against solid colour pages.
It’s a magnificent work of art in itself, speaking of which Sharon Phineasa’s artistry in the illustrations is breathtaking. They are richly detailed and glowing with the vibrant colours that immediately transport the reader to a tropical setting and evoking the richness of the TSI traditions. The double spread of Swana whispering goodnight to Meb Ata is particularly gorgeous.
“I think my art brings a feminine energy that suits Merwez’s storytelling. Even though I’m from another part of the Torres Strait, I could visualise the places in the book and give each scene an island feel.” Sharon
It makes me so very happy to see more and more books coming from Torres Strait creators showcasing their own beautiful slice of our country, as for so long we struggled to find books that would help us share the knowledge and traditions of TSI people and places.
This is a book that is genuinely a must-have for your collection and one which will find so many niches: cross-cultural perspectives, geography of Australia, family life, island life, traditional cultures and more. It can be shared with equal enjoyment and benefit to EC right through to upper primary and there will be much to gain. It’s a 5 very tropical 5 🥥🌴🌺🌅🌊from me.
Leave a Reply