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Interview with Native Hawaiian Artist Solomon Enos

June 27, 2023 No Comments

Native Hawaiian artist Solomon Enos is a modern-day Renaissance man: a sought-after artist, book illustrator, muralist, sculptor, and game designer. His beautiful pieces have been exhibited at multiple public venues, including the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, and the prestigious Smithsonian Museum Asian Pacific American Center. Google, Pixar, and Disneyʻs Aulani Resort are among his famous clients.

Book Review: Lei and the Fire Goddess, by Malia Maunakea

June 20, 2023 2 Comments

Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea is a rare gem in kid lit: an epic coming-of-age story written by a Native Hawaiian author featuring Native Hawaiian characters. The story introduces twelve year old Lei, who goes by her English first name Anna, with all the snarkiness and insecurity and joy that are part of growing up. But it didn’t take long for me to get into the story. From the very moment she steps off that airplane, Lei is a fully developed, fully likeable character.

Interview with Native Hawaiian Author Malia Maunakea

June 6, 2023 6 Comments

Malia Maunkea is Native Hawaiian author of middle grade and non-fiction. Her new novel, LEI AND THE FIRE GODDESS, a rollicking story about an adventurous Native Hawaiian twelve-year-old, is a rarity in childrenʻs literature: a story for middle grade kids written by an ʻōiwi author that features an ʻōiwi character. We are proud to feature Malia in todayʻs talk-story.

Interview with American Library Association President Lessa Pelayo-Lozada

May 17, 2023 4 Comments

President of the American Library Association, Native Hawaiian Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada is a warrior. With politicized book bans on the rise, the nation’s librarians battle to protect intellectual freedom. Lessa works to strengthen the ALA’s commitment of keeping the nation’s libraries as safe spaces that offer everyone — regardless of their socio-economic status — free and equal access to news, information, and education. The fight is daunting, but Lessa and are all in:
We are resisters at our core. We protect all our patrons, uphold intellectual freedom, and serve our communities…

Interview with Award-Winning Author Rukhsanna Guidroz

April 25, 2023 2 Comments

Award-winning author and Maui resident Rukhsanna Guidoz has always lived life on her own terms. Born in England and educated at the Sorbonne inParis, Rukhsanna has been a world traveler, journalist, radio producer, and now, teacher. Her books feature plucky female characters in stories that charm and delight young readers…and their adults, too.

Interview with Polynesian Illustrator Shar Tuiʻasoa

April 4, 2023 7 Comments

Talented Polynesian artist, illustrator and designer, Shar Tuiʻasoa is the creative force behind the hugely popular Punky Aloha Studio. Following graduation from Kailua High School (Go Surfriders!), Shar pursued a degree in fine art in California before returning home to Hawaiʻi. Best known for her beautiful images of Polynesian women, Shar’s graphic illustrations are bold, colorful and always exciting.

My Debut Picture Book is Announced at Publisherʻs Weekly!

March 9, 2023 12 Comments

Mahalo ke Akua! After a long career teaching writing (which I really loved), I am thrilled beyond words that my debut picture book, KAHOʻOLAWE, has been officially announced at Publisherʻs Weekly!

Interview with Native Hawaiian Artist Brook Kapūkuniahi Parker

March 1, 2023 5 Comments

We are delighted to feature the accomplished Native Hawaiian artist and historian, Brook Kapūkuniahi Parker. He has illustrated several children’s books for ʻAha Pūnana Leo Hawaiian Emersion Schools and created numerous stunning commission pieces for clients throughout Hawai’i. His passion is to Brooke-Parkercreate breathtaking art that brings life to our ancestors, and he does so through his extensive knowledge of Native Hawaiian history and culture.

Interview with Author Vera Arita

February 7, 2023 6 Comments

Hawaiʻi-based author Vera Arita has spent her life helping special-needs children to succeed. Her childrenʻs books focus on Hawaiʻi themes and encourage children to delight in the world around them.

Interview with Illustrator Dru Santiago

January 17, 2023 5 Comments

Hauoli Makahiki Hou, everyone! I love the start of a shiny new year. We also celebrate Chinese New Year around here. Kung Hee Fat Choy! What better way to start a new year but with talented Native Hawaiian and Hawaiʻi based writers and creators! Meet the wonderful Dru Santiago, Hawaiʻi based illustrator and the 2021 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Narrative Art award.