Blog

Book Review: Hiʻiaka and Panaʻewa, a Graphic Novel by Gabrielle Ahuliʻi

July 26, 2023 2 Comments

When I was a kid, I had a set of books called Great Illustrated Classics. They were fat volumes full of stories embellished with black and white drawings. The scariest tales were from Greek and Roman mythology where the hero battled bad guys and won (most of the time.) Even in school, the myths we read were limited to Greek and Roman gods with names like Zeus, Athena, Poseidon and Mars. But where were the colorful picture books about Pele, Maui, Kaʻahupahau, Kamapuaʻa, the menehune? There weren’t any, not in the kidlit section of the library or in any of the illustrated classics that lined my childhood bookshelf.

Interview with Native Hawaiian Author Gabrielle Ahuliʻi

July 18, 2023 2 Comments

Like most Native Hawaiians, author Gabrielle Ahuliʻi grew up hearing the beloved legends passed down from generation to generation. Best known for her popular series, Hawaiian Legends for Little Ones, and now for her first graphic novel, Hi’iaka and Panaewa, Gabrielle beautifully retells these classic stories for today’s young readers and their grown-ups.

How I Learned to Write Using Mentor Texts: Unspeakable, by Carole Boston Weatherford

July 11, 2023 6 Comments

Welcome to a new occasional series about learning from mentor text picture books!

I love picture books, those wildly colorful, wonderfully imaginative works of children’s literature. Some picture books are so good that every time I read one, I always come away with something new — a fact I didn’t know, an exciting idea I hadn’t thought of, a point of view I hadn’t considered — in a small, easy-to-read, beautifully illustrated package. As a writer, I use mentor texts to improve my storytelling skills.

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!