New picture book for young children is set in American Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A daughter American Samoa who now lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest has published her first children’s picture book. Genevieve McMoore who uses the pen name Gigi McMoore, grew up in Utulei and Leloaloa and says the book — Pai & The Ocean's Gift — was inspired by her late father, Siona Le McMoore of Utulei, who loved the ocean.

“This book is close to my heart,” she told Samoa News and, “It’s inspired by my late Papa, Siona Le McMoore of Utulei, who loved the ocean. It's a way to honor him, especially since this August marks 10 years since he passed. The story weaves in bits of Samoan culture and introduces little ones ages 1-5 to the Samoan language.”

The story follows Pai as he searches for ocean treasures on the shores of American Sāmoa. When he discovers a shiny shell, his Papa shares a lesson about the gifts the ocean provides—and that every gift deserves a fa'afetai.

With colorful illustrations and simple Sāmoan words throughout, this warm and engaging story celebrates family, nature, and gratitude. Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who read with them.

She told Samoa News that with the illustrations created by Franco Caro Revuelta, there’s a cool behind-the-scenes time-lapse clip of one of the illustrations, You can link to it here:

https://velvetfeatherpress.com/pai-and-the-oceans-gift

“I worked closely with Franco to incorporate Samoan elements, including landmarks like Rainmaker Mountain, as it was important to me that they be authentically reflected in the book,” Gigi said.

 “Releasing it on March 1st — my parents’ anniversary and the day of my son’s birthday party, when I shared the news with family — made it even more special.”

Pai and the Ocean's Gift is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.