daShop: books+curiosities in Kaʻimukī was the place to be on Saturday, February 28! Its parent company, Bess Press, hosted us in an epic book signing and art+writing pāʻina (party). Mahalo nui to David Deluca (Publisher and Coo), Kristen Namba Reed (Director of Publishing, Trade), Sarah Deluca (Director of Literacy and Curriculum Design), Dimpna Figuracion (Educational Partnerships Manager) and Jen Yoneshige (Operations Manager) for making the event so much fun! The space was filled with so much aloha!

What made this event so special is that the book’s illustrator, Harinani Orme, came prepared with her sketches and notebooks. She took the audience on a journey, from her research process and preliminary sketches to the final paintings that made it into the book.

Best of all, we talked story with the librarians, teachers, readers, parents, and grandparents in the audience who had brought their children. Our hope is that more people will learn the story of Kahoʻolawe and how the little island continues to thrive today.

Please enjoy these photos of the event. Mahalo nui! (all photos here are used with permission)