Chapter One: ：The Girl on the Island

Long, long ago, there was a green island in the great ocean.

Its name was Motunui.

The island was full of sunshine and tall coconut trees.

The people lived happily, fishing, farming, and singing songs.

The chief’s daughter was named Moana.

Since she was little, she loved to hear stories about the ocean.

Her grandmother, Gramma Tala, loved to tell these stories.

She said the ocean was alive.

Long ago, the goddess Te Fiti used her heart to create life in the world.

Her heart was a glowing green stone.

But one day, the demigod Maui stole it.

Then darkness spread over the ocean.

Monsters and storms began to appear.

Only one person could bring the light back.

Gramma Tala looked softly at little Moana and said, 'Maybe that person is you.'

Moana looked at the sea, her eyes shining.

She walked to the beach and stepped on the soft sand.

The waves gently touched her feet.

Suddenly, the waves rose and surrounded her.

A glowing green stone floated into her hands.

The ocean smiled at her.

Moana smiled; she felt chosen.

She wanted to bring the stone home to show her grandmother.

But when she ran back to the village, the stone slipped from her hand.

She didn’t notice that the ocean hid the stone again.

Time passed, and Moana grew up.

She became a smart and brave young girl.

Her father wanted her to become the next chief.

He often said, 'Stay on the island and take care of our people.'

Moana nodded, but her heart still dreamed of the ocean.

She often stood by the shore and watched the waves crash on the rocks.

She felt the ocean was calling her.

Her father worried and told her never to go beyond the reef.

'The ocean beyond is too dangerous,' he said.

But Gramma Tala whispered, 'Listen to your heart.'

One day, Moana found that the fish were gone.

The coconuts began to spoil.

The villagers grew worried.

Moana looked toward the ocean and felt it was a sign.

She knew the answer must be beyond the reef.