Book Review: Tala Learns to Siva
There’s something magical about children’s books written by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island authors. Until recently, stories about our communities told by our people were largely missing in children’s literature. Thankfully, the times are changing, and more voices are emerging to tell our own stories. The best of these narratives sing with heart and authenticity that comes from being rooted in the community. Tala Learns to Siva is one of those stories. This delightful Pacific Island story by talented author Kealani Netane deserves a space not just on a child’s bookshelf but on school library shelves everywhere.
Publisher’s Weekly Sneak Peak: Kaho’olawe Picture Book!
I’ve missed you, my reading and writing friends! It’s been a little while since my last blog post, but that’s because I’ve been working on a couple of manuscripts. As Stephen King once said, When you’re writing, the book is boss. No kidding. My debut picture book, Kaho’olawe: The True Story of An Island and Her People (illustrated by Harinani Orme) is scheduled for Spring 2025. And look what I found in Publisher’s Weekly Spring 2025 Children’s Sneak Peak issue!
Book Review: I See Color, by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew
Author Valerie Bollingʻs picture books are always great choices for kids. Her colorful, lyrical early readers and picture books focus on the joys and triumphs of childhood. Her first non-fiction picture book is a collection of biographical sketches, I See Color: An Affirmation and Celebration of Our Diverse World. The collection’s short yet engaging format makes it the perfect introduction of short biographies to children. I am delighted that our own Native Hawaiian activist and scholar, the late Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask is one of the book’s featured unsung heroes.
Interview with Native Hawaiian Author Kealani Netane
If you recognize Native Hawaiian/Sāmoan writer Kealani Netane’s name, you’re probably a fan of her popular bookstagram, Little Pasifika Readers. Or you might you recognize her from her thoughtful blog posts at Pacific Islanders in Publishing. Now add children’s book author to her list of professional accomplishments. Her wonderful debut picture book, TALA LEARNS TO SIVA (Scholastic, 2024) is the sweetest story of a child’s desire to dance the traditional Sāmoan taualuga just as like graceful aunt. Through engaging text and beautiful illustrations by award-winning illustrator Dung Ho, young readers learn, like Tala, that they can do anything with practice and patience. We are thrilled to talk story with Kealani today.
Interview with Author/Illustrator Yuko Green
Pick up any popular children’s book in Hawai’i, and chances are that it is illustrated by Yuko Green. The award-winning author/illustrator of dozens of children’s picture and activity books, Yuko’s mixed-media artwork is unmistakable with its vibrant colors and delightful subjects that children love. Her work celebrates the people, nature, and traditions of our islands. We are so pleased to talk story with Yuko Green today.
Interview with Native Hawaiian/Guamanian Author Catherine Payne
Native Hawaiian/Guamanian author Catherine Payne lives by the ancient Chamorro making things right. An important part of inafaʻ maolek is that the whole community, not just the nuclear family, is responsible for raising healthy, happy children. The author of five children’s books, Cathy believes that picture books can be key to opening conversations between children and grown-ups. We certainly agree. Welcome, Cathy, to our talk story!
