Jonah Lomu is famous around the world for his fast and powerful rugby playing for the New Zealand All Blacks.
This hardback picture book takes readers on his journey from his birth in 1975 in Auckland, through his life to his legacy left for aspiring rugby players and sportspeople around the world.
Born in New Zealand to a Tongan family, Jonah spent seven years back in Tonga, before attending Wesley College. He soon began to show his skill in athletics with shotput, javelin and track. At only fourteen, his power and speed in a touch rugby game was noticed.
After finishing school he continued to play rugby while working and was soon chosen for the New Zealand Under 19 1993 Rugby team. The Under 21’s followed and Sevens Rugby. He was on his way to becoming the legend he is known for today.
His first World Cup Rugby saw his skill, and crowds roared at his seven tries. No one could stop this giant charging down the wing. Jonah became a star, meeting famous people, enjoying life and looking after his family.
But something wasn’t right with Jonah, and it was discovered by doctors that his kidneys weren’t working properly. Jonah was determined however, and with treatment and courage, he continued to play and wow the crowds with his rugby abilities and power.
He continued to play until 2007, after which he collected more accolades and raised money for many NZ organisations, especially helping Pasifika people.
The latest in this series about outstanding New Zealanders, Giant Heart is an inspiration to anyone wanting to achieve sporting greatness, anywhere in the world.
We all knew him as a powerful force on the rugby field, especially while playing for the NZ All Blacks, but this book (by NZ Literary great David Hill), shares more of Jonah’s life with young readers.
His achievements on and off the field are shared, including building skills through school athletics, rugby prowess, courage when unwell, and kindness and caring for his friends and family and the wider Pacifika community.
I think Michel Mulipola’s strong illustration style is perfect for this story, and I love the Pacifika pattern embossed on the cover and in the end pages of the book.
As always, an illustrated timeline appears in the back of the book. Giant Heart is from 1975 – 2026.
Find other books in the series here
Author – David Hill
Illustrator – Michel Mulipola
Picture Book
(2026, Penguin Books NZ, Sport, Rugby, Jonah Lomu, Courage, Kindness, Compassion, Series, Rugby Legend, No.11 Jersey, All Blacks, Action, Real Life)