Mophead: How Your Difference Makes a Difference facts for kids

Mophead: How Your Difference Makes a Difference is a true story told like a comic book. It was written and drawn by Selina Tusitala Marsh, who is a famous poet and university professor. The book was published by Auckland University Press in 2019. A follow-up book, Mophead Tu: The Queen's Poem, came out on 12 November 2020.

In 2020, a special Mophead penguin statue was created by artist Lisa Rudman. This statue was part of the Pop Up Penguin art trail in Christchurch, New Zealand.

About the Book

Mophead is a unique book because it shares a personal story in the fun and engaging style of a graphic novel. A graphic novel is like a long comic book that tells a complete story using pictures and words together. Selina Tusitala Marsh used her own life experiences to create this book.

What is Mophead About?

The book explores how being different can actually be a superpower. It teaches young readers that their unique qualities are valuable and can help them make a positive impact on the world. Selina Tusitala Marsh uses her own journey to show how embracing who you are can lead to great things.

Who is Selina Tusitala Marsh?

Selina Tusitala Marsh is a well-known writer and artist from New Zealand. She is also a university professor. In 2017, she became New Zealand's Poet Laureate, which is a special title given to a poet who represents the country. Her work often celebrates her Pacific heritage and encourages people to be proud of their identity.

Awards and Recognition

Mophead has won many important awards, showing how special and well-loved it is. These awards celebrate both the story and the amazing artwork.

In August 2020, Mophead won the top prize at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. It was named the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year, which is the highest honor for a children's book in New Zealand. It also won the Elsie Locke Award for Non-fiction, recognizing it as an excellent true story.

Later in October 2020, Mophead received three more awards at the Publishers Association of New Zealand Book Design Awards. It won the Gerard Reid Award for Best Book and was named the Best Children's Book. It also won the PANZ People’s Choice Award, which means many readers loved its design. These awards recognized the great design work by Vida Kelly.