How the Fish Got Their Bones

Name: How the Fish Got Their Bones
Brand: Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand
SKU: 9781761182716
Price: 22.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

A Torres Strait Islands Story

By Sam Thaiday

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Brief Description

Stories are our historyPassed on down the lineBut sometimes they get lostAnd jumbled over time This story is about the fishIn all their scaly tones -The story of the fishAnd how they got their bones Sam Thaiday, Broncos legend, brings to vivid life a powerful teaching... Read More

Format: Hardback

$22⁹⁹

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

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How the Fish Got Their Bones

$22⁹⁹

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From the big heart of beloved NRL Broncos legend Sam Thaiday comes this wonderful rhyming picture book showcasing Torres Strait Islander storytelling and the importance of sharing, brought to life by Tori-Jay Mordey's stunning illustrations.

Description

Stories are our history
Passed on down the line
But sometimes they get lost
And jumbled over time

This story is about the fish
In all their scaly tones -
The story of the fish
And how they got their bones

Sam Thaiday, Broncos legend, brings to vivid life a powerful teaching story from the Torres Strait.

When two boys encounter an old man on the beach, their fateful decision not to share their abundant catch with him has far-reaching consequences.

With a rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations full of drama, How the Fish Got Their Bones carries a powerful environmental message for young and old.

Perfect for:

Reading aloud with little ones
Introducing the power of storytelling
Showcasing the Torres Strait environment and the importance of balance in the natural world
Teachers and librarians to introduce First Nations culture to young readers

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781761182716

Publisher: A&U Children's

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 04 August 2026

Country: Australia

Imprint: A&U Children

Contributors:

Illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 280.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 366g

Pages: 24

Collections

Children's Books Children's Picture Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Sam Thaiday

About the Author

Sam Thaiday is a hugely popular NRL legend of Torres Strait Islander and Australian descent. Sam spent his entire career with the Broncos. In 2012, he was awarded the Captaincy and went on to win the Dally M Award for Best Second Row Player. Sam was also named in the Indigenous Rugby League Team of the Century. He retired from NRL at the end of the 2018 season, cementing himself in an elite club of players having played over 300 games for one club. Sam now has a career in media, and sports commentary for the NRL. In 2025 he was crowned King of the Jungle on I'm a Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here! while raising vital funds for charity.

Tori-Jay Mordey is a First Nations Australian artist and illustrator based in Meanjin/Brisbane. Her Torres Strait Islander and English heritage is often reflected in her contemporary Indigenous art practice - digital illustrations, drawing, painting, printmaking, film and mural art.

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