Out in the Moana is loosely based around the American Classic Over in the Meadow.

This stunning Kiwi version is a window into an underwater world. Not only does it feature playful penguins and a delicate seahorse family, we see a rare Maui Dolphin leaping with her young. There are more – sharks and moray eels, and the rarest sea lion in the world too.

Each animal has a double page spread, capturing a mother or father with their young. Each has a lesson for their children, depending on where they live, how they eat or even hide from predators.

The first page has one young animal, the second two, right up to ten young reaching out into the world for the first time.

The repetition and rhyme is perfectly timed and perfect for reading aloud, giving the young reader or listener opportunity to join in. The interactive element can then be added – counting each family member up to ten.

Award winning illustrator Jenny Cooper’s luscious illustrations take us down into the ocean where it is cool and calm, sunlight rippling down across glistening bodies. Then we’re up, leaping out of the water, white spray and churning bubbles left behind.

The illustrations capture the personalities of each animal, and there are some humorous additions too. Out in the Moana is a gorgeous way to introduce sea life to a little one, with an older sibling helping count out animal brothers and sisters on each page.

In the rear of the book are snippets of information about each creature, for any animal lovers or even budding marine biologists!

Author – Yvonne Morrison

Illustrator – Jenny Cooper

Picture Book

(2021, Scholastic NZ, Aotearoa, NZ, New Zealand Sea Life, Counting, Ocean, Sea, Eels, Sharks, Seahorse, Sea lion, Animals, Fish, Dolphins, Crabs, Crustaceans, Marine Life, Based on a classic, Family, Siblings, Jellyfish)