A Little Seahorse in Love –
A Book in the Tongan and English Languages for all Ages.

‘A Little Seahorse in Love‘ Tongan/English edition is hoped will have an important role for the Tongan Community in Australia to help their children learn the language and culture of their heritage. The project is community based with all the Australian participants in the Tongan/ English Edition donating their services.

The translation into Tongan has been kindly done by Miss Veiongo Mafi, with support from the Australian Tongan Community, and has already been acclaimed as a very fine example of Tongan literature.

‘A Little Seahorse in Love’ is by renowned German author/artist, Dr Michael Schirmer, written originally in German - although inspired by the goodwill engendered by His Majesty - and the fascinating creatures of the seas of the Friendly Islands. Dr Schirmer dedicated the tale to His Majesty’s grandchildren – as representatives for all Tongans – at home and abroad.

The fairytale is delightful with a charming moral to the story - which appeals to young and old. With English and Tongan side by side it will be an ideal language learning tool for Tongan children in Australia.

The publication of ‘A Little Seahorse in Love’ Tongan/English edition, which has been supported by Her Royal Highness Princess Nanasipau‘u Tuku‘aho and supervised by the Tongan Ministry of Education, will be used throughout the Primary Schools in Tonga – with a gift of over 3000 books by the Tongan Consulate General in Australia and the Internationaler Hilfsfond e.V. from Ear Candles Germany.

As well, the Consulate General, is hoping to raise funds to add to its existing financial support – with a goal of donating a further 1000 books to the primary schools in the villages in Tonga. Donations for these books will be individually acknowledged with a bookplate naming the donor and the village to receive the book.