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.

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! 

Native Hawaiian author Megan Kamalei Kakimoto is a rare literary gem: a storyteller of YA and adult subject matter that is authentically rooted in Native Hawaiian life experiences. Her USA Today National Bestseller, Every Drop is a Man’s Nightmare, is a short story collection that reviewers describe as “powerful coming-of-age stories,” “rich and wise, humming with confidence,” and “a blazing, raucous journey through contemporary Hawaiian identity and womanhood.” We are so pleased to talk story with Megan today.

Artist Mae Waite is a master of color and texture. She loves to experiment with a variety of techniques and surfaces. Working in ink, oils, acrylics, and watercolors, Maeʻs work is a bold expression of the world around her. “I create for myself and for you,” she writes. We are so pleased to feature our talk story with Mae Waite.

Native Hawaiian author Kaylin Melia George has always been a storyteller. She began her career as a screenwriter and is now a children’s author. Her debut picture book. Aloha Everything, is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream: to share the rich stories she grew up hearing at her mother’s side. We are pleased to talk story with Kaylin today.