FAQs

Mila’s Books was founded in 2019 by award-winning Pasifika author and publisher, Dahlia Malaeulu. As a former educator, Dahlia saw firsthand the lack of culturally authentic Pasifika stories available for tamaiti (children) in Aotearoa, New Zealand. She wanted to change that by creating stories that empower Pasifika readers to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Mila’s Books started with a small collection of stories written by Dahlia, but it quickly grew into a movement—one that celebrates Pasifika identity, language, and culture through books. Today, Mila’s Books is the world’s only all-Pasifika publishing team, producing picture books, middle-grade novels, and wellbeing resources, while mentoring emerging Pasifika authors and leading literacy initiatives to strengthen Pasifika storytelling.

An all-Pasifika publishing team means that every person involved in creating and publishing our books is of Pasifika heritage. From our authors and illustrators to our designers and editors, Mila’s Books is led by Pasifika voices, for Pasifika communities.

We are committed to increasing the visibility of Pasifika stories, voices, and creatives in the book industry. By producing stories our way—guided by our ancestors, our own storytellers, and our Pasifika values—we ensure that our books reflect the richness of our cultures and lived experiences. Our work is about more than just representation; it is about reclaiming our narratives, strengthening our identities, and making sure that future generations see themselves in the stories they read.

You can purchase our books directly from the Mila’s Books online store, where our full range of Pasifika children’s books, middle-grade novels, and wellbeing resources are available.

Our books are also stocked in bookstores, libraries, retailers and education suppliers across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. In New Zealand, our stories are distributed through BookReps NZ.

We also accept bulk orders for schools, libraries, and organisations, with invoice payment options available. If you're looking for our books in your area, check with your local bookstore or library, or shop with us online!

Yes! We offer discounts for bulk orders for schools, libraries, organisations, and retailers. If you’re interested in placing a large order, please contact us directly to discuss pricing and invoice payment options.

We’re always happy to help bring more Pasifika stories into communities, classrooms, and book collections!

In addition to publishing Pasifika children’s books, Mila’s Books offers a range of services that support literacy, cultural storytelling, and Pasifika representation in education and publishing. Our services include:

• Publishing Contracts – We collaborate with organisations and partners to produce books and resources that align with our mission of strengthening Pasifika storytelling.
• Mila's Books Tusitala Programme – A mentorship initiative that supports new and emerging Pasifika writers in developing their storytelling skills and publishing knowledge.
• Pasifika Book Hub – An online platform that provides support for Pasifika storytellers.
• Author and Publisher School Visits – We visit schools across Aotearoa, inspiring tamaiti (children) through the power of story and sharing the importance of Pasifika representation in books.
• Professional Development Workshops – We deliver literacy and cultural responsiveness workshops for schools, government agencies, and organisations to help strengthen Pasifika engagement and understanding.

If you’re interested in working with us, feel free to reach out—we’re always looking for ways to support and grow Pasifika storytelling!

At this time, Mila’s Books does not accept unsolicited manuscript submissions. As a small, all-Pasifika publishing team, we are focused on juggling multiple book projects and book-related travel while ensuring that the stories we publish align with our mission of strengthening Pasifika storytelling.

While we are unable to openly connect with writers, we are committed to uplifting Pasifika voices through our Mila’s Books Tusitala Programme and our Pasifika Book Hub, which provide guidance and mentorship for aspiring authors.

We encourage Pasifika writers to keep an eye on our initiatives as we continue to create more spaces for new Pasifika authors and Pasifika storytelling.

To request permission to use content from a Mila’s Books publication, please get in touch with us, and we will send you a rights/licensing request form. This form must be completed in full before we can review your request.

At Mila’s Books, intellectual property is very important to us. The use of any of our stories, images, or other content is not allowed without a full review of your request and written consent and permission from Mila’s Books.

We appreciate your respect for Pasifika storytelling and look forward to reviewing your request.