Now Reading
I Karwhar!: I don’t know

I Karwhar!: I don’t know

I  Karwhar! (I don’t know) is the second illustrated children’s book from local mother and daughter duo – Rose Evans and Brianna Stephens.

I Karwhar! follows the immediate success of their first book Huus Yuu? – a story in the Norf’k language (with English translation) which was released in 2023.

I karwhar! is another wonderful children’s story written in the Norf’k language – with English translation – and it is a beautiful celebration of Norfolk Island’s national day – Anniversary (Bounty) Day. Each year on the 8th of June Norfolk Islanders mark the anniversary of the arrival of their ancestors at Kingston Pier in 1856.

Bounty Day is an incredibly important day on Norfolk Island. Rose tells us, “The second book was inspired by Anniversary (Bounty) Day which – to islanders – is as special as Christmas Day because it is a celebration of family, friends and culture combined. Everyone goes to a lot of trouble to cook, dress up, and turn up for the celebration”.

‘I karwhar!’ is the expression used by Norfolk Islanders if they don’t know the answer to something or if they are confused. 

Rose and Brianna’s story follows two Norfolk Island children, Mohea and Mana, in and their excitement for Bounty Day, through the day’s build up, and all through the days’ festivities, traditions, celebrations and events. The inquisitive children ask, and are asked, questions throughout the day. As the story continues we learn more and more about Norfolk’s special day and the Norfolk language.

Brianna has once again masterfully illustrated Rose’s story and breathed colour and vibrancy into every page, with her modern and stylish illustrations of two very charming and endearing characters.

Brianna’s own connection with Norfolk began in 2006 at the age of 11 when she and Rose moved to Norfolk Island. Brianna embraced the island with open arms – as most children do. She learnt the Norf’k language at school, learnt about the Norf’k culture from her step dad Hadyn ‘Teddy’ Evans, and she just LOVED Bounty Day (and still does!) – something that is completely evident on every page.

Brianna is now mother to her islander baby, with childhood sweetheart Teanu Anderson, and is she even more passionate about encouraging children to grow up using Norf’k language. She began illustrating I Karwhar! through her pregnancy and completed the work into her maternity leave with her newborn, Banks, which was of course challenging. However, Brianna embraced the task, and has excelled once again and has created a visual treat.

Rose and Brianna worked with local editing and language experts to ensure everything was translated accurately, as they had done previously for Huus Yuu? The result is a fantastic and well polished book, that is not only a lovely story, but also a wonderful educational tool to help share Norfolk’s unique language, culture, heritage and customs. I Karwhar! is available at stockists island wide.

 

____

Image Credit: Rose Evans and Brianna Stephens

____

I Karwhar!  is available from stockists island-wide

____

Article content disclaimer: Article first published in Discover Norfolk, Volume 07 Issue 02, 2024. Please note that details of specific travel, accommodation and touring options may be outdated. References to people, places and businesses, including operating days and times may be have changed. References to Government structure and Government businesses/entities may no longer be applicable. Please check directly with businesses and/or Government websites directly rather than relying on any information contained in this article before you make travel arrangements.

Discover Norfolk, YourWorld & 2899 Magazine
© 2023 Insprint. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer: Contents of Discover Norfolk, YourWorld & 2899 Magazine are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publication of editorial does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the views or opinions expressed therein. The publisher does not accept responsibility for statements made by advertisers. All images are copyright unless stated otherwise.