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Cover of Māui and the Secret of Fire
Children's Books· Cook Islands

Māui and the Secret of Fire

by Jean Tekura Mason
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1996English
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About This Book

Published in 1996, Māui and the Secret of Fire established Jean Tekura Mason as one of the defining voices in children's books. This children's book retells the traditional Polynesian legend of Māui, a cultural hero and trickster, who is credited with discovering the secret of fire. The story is rich with cultural significance and provides insight into the mythology and folklore of the Cook Islands, making it an important piece of literature for understanding the region's heritage. Themes of mythology, heroism, cultural heritage run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorJean Tekura Mason
Published1996
Country of Origin🇨🇰 Cook Islands
LanguageEnglish
Category🧸 Children's Books
ISBN9789820201307
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🧸 Children's Books

Picture books, middle-grade fiction, and early readers.

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Country of Origin

🇨🇰 Cook Islands

This book is part of Cook Islands's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Māui and the Secret of Fire by Jean Tekura Mason sits within the tradition of children's books that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1996 in Cook Islands, it engages with mythology, heroism, cultural heritage, adventure in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Māui and the Secret of Fire among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 0 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of Māui and the Secret of Fire lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of mythology, heroism, cultural heritage, adventure is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Māui and the Secret of Fire reflects Jean Tekura Mason's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Cook Islands's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from multiple independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
✍️
About the Author
Jean Tekura Mason
Cook Islands
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Jean Tekura Mason is a Cook Islands author whose work in children's books has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Māui and the Secret of Fire about?

This children's book retells the traditional Polynesian legend of Māui, a cultural hero and trickster, who is credited with discovering the secret of fire. The story is rich with cultural significance and provides insight into the mythology and folklore of the Cook Islands, making it an important piece of literature for understanding the region's heritage.

Who wrote Māui and the Secret of Fire?

Māui and the Secret of Fire was written by Jean Tekura Mason, from Cook Islands. First published in 1996.

What awards has Māui and the Secret of Fire won?

Māui and the Secret of Fire has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Māui and the Secret of Fire worth reading?

Māui and the Secret of Fire is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in mythology, heroism, cultural heritage.

Where can I buy Māui and the Secret of Fire?

You can buy Māui and the Secret of Fire on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Māui and the Secret of Fire?

Māui and the Secret of Fire is classified as Children's Books. Picture books, middle-grade fiction, and early readers.

What country is Māui and the Secret of Fire from?

Māui and the Secret of Fire originates from Cook Islands's literary tradition. Explore more books from Cook Islands on our country page.

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