kanaka maoli

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. Yes, the wins we see every day are a reward, but knowing that we have resisted for yet another day and continue to provide that safe space is a reward in and of itself for me, and I hope for all of you as well.  — Lessa Pelayo-Lozada, American Libraries Magazine

Lessa is the first Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander to be elected president of the ALA. She is also the youngest person ever elected to that position. We are grateful that this hard-working, dedicated leader made some time to talk story with us. 

Congratulations on your election to president of the American Librarians Association! For those who haven’t met you, could you please tell us a little about yourself?

I am a mixed-race, continent born and raised Native Hawaiian woman from Southern California. I’ve been in public libraries since 2007 and have worked as library page, clerk, Children’s Librarian, Teen Librarian, and now am the Adult Services Assistant Manager at the Palos Verdes Library District in Southern California.

I am the current President of the American Library Association and am a past President and Executive Director of the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association. I have also served as a board member for the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature for the last ten years and contribute to our best books list annually.

I used to dance hula for Kaulana Ka Hale Kula ‘O Nā Pua ‘O Ka ‘Āina in Torrance, California, and am a current member of the Hawai’i’s Daughters Guild of California. My husband, Christian Lozada, and I co-authored the book Hawaiians in Los Angeles from Arcadia Press.

Where did you grow up? What high school did you grad from?

I’m born and raised in Southern California, in the cities of Torrance and Gardena. I went to Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance.

Go Knights! Have you always wanted to be a librarian? When did you realize that being a librarian was your calling?

Originally I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, teaching either kindergarten or second grade. While I was working at Borders Books, I met a number of librarians from the Los Angeles Public Library who showed me that librarianship was a viable career path – one I thought I would follow after I would spend time teaching. After two days in the teacher credential program, however, I knew for sure that librarianship was my calling and started working as a page that same summer and have never looked back!

What made you decide to run for the ALA’s highest office?

Two things:

First, as an ALA Executive Board member from 2017–2020 and chair of the Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness from 2018–2020, I identified the need for ALA’s structures to change and become more nimble in today’s changing world. The work I began as an EB member I hoped to finish as president, and I am happy to say that we have gotten a number of things accomplished during my year, such as modernizing the ALA bylaws which will go to a full member vote this spring.

Second, the pandemic and all the ways that library workers were showing up for their communities inspired me to run for President. As a front facing library worker, I saw all the ways that we needed ALA to show up for us, but as someone who understands the capacities of ALA, I also knew that the current structure couldn’t support the labor needs of library workers. I ran to push the envelope in working on fortifying the ALA structures that can support these needs, such as the ALA-Allied Professional Association, a companion organization to ALA. Although the process has been slow, we’ve been making progress in this realm.

What are some of the biggest challenges that librarians face today?

The biggest challenge facing libraries, library workers, and librarians today are book challenges. The unprecedented number of book challenges and the toxicity and harassment of library workers around these book challenges is creating difficult and impossible working conditions for many across the country. To help combat book bans, I encourage folks to visit uniteagainstbookbans.org and explore ways they can fight back. We can’t do this alone as library workers – we need the public to join in this fight!

What are your greatest strengths that you bring to the ALA and its membership?

One of the greatest strengths I bring are my values of kuleana and kōkua. My commitment to library workers and libraries is rooted in these two values and help me to keep perspective on the long road ahead towards being spaces of lifelong learning, education, and true inclusion when it comes to access to information and I believe allow me to communicate a specific vision that can be shared by ALA members everywhere.

I also can facilitate a great meeting and work hard to ensure all voices and necessary stakeholders are included in decision making, modeling the inclusion that I hope we all embrace.

What do you enjoy most about being a librarian?

Learning new things! Whether it is learning something through a reference interaction, learning a new song for story time, or learning another person’s story, it’s impossible to get through a day as a librarian without learning something new – and something you might not have sought out to learn on your own!

During your campaign, you received many endorsements. What does this recognition mean to you?

The number of endorsements and support I received during my campaign was a huge honor and a testament to the relationships I try to develop in doing work on behalf of the association. Even if I didn’t win the presidency, knowing that I had all of those people to do great work with in the future, and have done great work with in the past was a big win.

Can you share a bit of your current work?

Right now I am focusing most of my time on my role as ALA President which includes being the primary spokesperson for the association, chairing the Executive Board and Council, and working with ALA members and committees to figure out the path forward around book challenges.

The role of spokesperson is a big one, as it includes media interviews like the one I did for Teen Vogue as well as traveling the country and internationally doing keynote speeches and speaking on panels like I did when I visited Hawai’i for the Hawai’i Library Association Conference and Centennial Celebration!

I am also a member of the program committee for the International Indigenous Librarians Forum to be held in Honolulu this November. I hope folks will join us!

What advice can you give someone who might be consider studying library science?

Be firm in your “why” – why you want to work in libraries and what kind of impact you want to make. It can be a difficult field when book challenges, continued budget cuts, and hierarchical bureaucracies can prevent you from doing your job, but recognizing the impact you have, can, and will make on your communities can help keep you motivated.

I also always encourage folks to be open to the myriad of opportunities available in libraries. There are so many paths you can take and you don’t always know what they all are when you start in libraries, so be open to new opportunities and experiences you never thought possible. That kind of mindset helped me to become ALA President.

And a few niele questions, if you’d like to answer:

Who is your hero?

I have a lot of heroes! My grandfather and grandmother, Alcario  and Mary Pelayo, are my primary heroes. They modeled and inspired me to live a life of service and leadership and supported my many, many interests growing up, even if they didn’t always understand them.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband!

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Putting on the 2018 Joint Conference of Librarians of Color as a Steering Committee Member.

What do you enjoy doing in your down time?

Baking, exercise, hiking.

Where can readers find you online?

• https://www.lessaforlibraries.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/lessaforlibraries
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lessa-kanani-opua-pelayo-lozada-b287759/
• https://www.instagram.com/lessaforlibraries/

 

Mahalo nui loa, Lessa, for sharing your manaʻo with us! As an author, life-long learner, and library patron, I offer my best wishes to you for your continued success!

Award-winning author and Maui resident Rukhsanna Guidroz has always lived life on her own terms. Born in England and educated at the Sorbonne in Paris, 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.

Hi, Rukshanna! For those who haven’t met you, could you please tell us a little about yourself? 

I am an educator and writer. I moved to Maui from Hong Kong in 1996.

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Manchester, England, and graduated from a small private school outside the city. Manchester has cold, wet, grey winters. I remember the sunny days being such a welcome surprise. I went to Seattle in March last year, and the crisp, cool weather was familiar to me. Even though I’ve lived in a warm climate for 30 years, my body still remembers cold temperatures. I don’t think I could live anywhere else but Hawaiʻi now that I’ve been spoiled.

Who is your biggest supporter? 

My husband is one of my biggest supporters. Writing and forging a path as an author can be a long, lonely endeavor. There have been many times when I’ve considered giving up and moving on. My husband has always believed in me and encouraged me through uncertain times. 

Why did you become a writer? What inspired you to write for children? 

I have always enjoyed writing. In middle school, I wrote a poem that ended up being published in the school magazine. I never considered pursuing writing as a career, but there was something in me that felt the need to write that poem. It was a channel through which I could freely express myself. There came the point in my life when I felt I needed more than just writing stories for myself. I started seeing the stories in book form. When writing wasn’t enough, I knew I was ready to begin submitting my work to agents and editors.

As a teacher and tutor, I have always enjoyed being with kids. Spending time with them allows me to see the world through their eyes. When you put yourself in someone else’s shoes and perceive the world around you, it’s incredible what you see. 

What do you enjoy most about writing for kids? What are some of your greatest challenges in writing for children? 

Writing for kids allows me to be a child again. Our youthful years are often spent working out our place in this complicated world. Feelings can be mixed up and confusing. We are trying to understand who we are and where we belong. That vulnerability is a universal theme. It’s what we all share as human beings, no matter where we live or what situation we were born into. For me, it’s a rich ground for exploration and story.

My most significant challenges are staying in their youthful space and not returning to adult life before I finish my work. Remaining in character as I write can be tricky. I have to constantly remind myself who I am and what drives me as a character in the story. I have found tricks to help me, though. Taking breaks for tea, a stretch, or a walk helps me. Changing the font in my document can feel like I’m reading a peer’s work, not my own. That distance allows my constructive voice to come through and spot areas that need adjusting. 

What are your hopes and dreams for the year and beyond in terms of your writing career and what you would like to see published in the future? 

I would like to think I could be a prolific writer and write book after book. That’s not me. I wish it were, though. I want to write a children’s fantasy novel at some point. The idea frightens me because it’s a genre I’ve never written in, and maybe the challenge is what attracts me. Starting my next project is always refreshing, exciting, and intimidating at the same time. 

I would love to see more books out there by marginalized voices. Those little unknown stories are precious gems and much needed in our world. I think it’s essential for our children to see themselves in books so they can feel valued and validated. Literature has the power to do that.

There are not a lot of stories for kids by writers from your community. Why do you think that is? What do you think we can do the change that? 

I have never met anyone who is Indian-Chinese. It took me many years to realize that being seen as unique or unusual is not negative. As a person of mixed heritage in England, I always felt like an outsider. But now that I appreciate my identity, I see the possibility of many stories.

It takes courage to write, and then, of course, you have to find a way to publication, whether it’s traditionally or self-publishing. On your way to publication, you have to find people who believe wholeheartedly in you and your work. The publishing industry has been dominated and still is by white people. When brown and black people fill some of its key positions, perhaps there will be more books that reflect the true diversity of this world.

Can you share a bit of your current work? 

I am currently working on a picture book biography about a chef. Food was such an important part of my childhood. It brought the family together, whether we were having a good or bad day. It was an equalizer and neutralizer. My mother embraced my father’s Indian/Pakistan roots, and our meals were mostly comprised of ingredients and dishes from his culture. My sister and I had a favorite dish we loved to cook. Growing up, we ate a lot of Chinese food, and dim sum was a favorite Sunday. Writing a book about cooking came naturally to me.

Which of your books did you have the most fun writing? Which were the most challenging? 

Writing each of my books was a different experience. When I wrote Mina vs. The Monsoon (Yali Books) I had fun crafting a story about a quietly persistent girl who is passionate about soccer. Imaging the scenes of this story were especially fun because I had many colors and their tones in mind, and the illustrator who created the artwork perfectly captured the feel I wanted.

My novel in verse, Samira Surfs (Penguin Random House) is about a Rohingya refugee who finds peace and empowerment in an all-girls surf community. It was probably the most challenging writing because I had never written a novel-length story. It is also a historical story, and I spent nearly two years researching the political and social aspects of the contextual setting. It stretched me as a writer, but I learned much along the way.

What beliefs are your books challenging? 

My books challenge the idea of limitations on girls. I didn’t set out to write about this theme, and I didn’t realize it was so important to me until I started writing. I believe it’s vital that any human being who wants to express their voice should have the avenues to do that. Girls and women are often overlooked in work, sports, and educational arenas.

In my second picture book, Leila in Saffron (Simon & Schuster) young Leila comes to appreciate who she is through self-discovery. It’s a story of female empowerment, although it can apply to boys or anyone unsure of their identity. I think my biggest compliment would be if even one girl is inspired to speak up after reading one of my books.

What’s your experience with getting your books published? 

Writing books can be an exercise in opening your heart and surrendering. Once a publishing contract is made, the author has to let go of complete control of the book. A whole team of people comes on board, and the project then becomes a collaboration with an agent, editor, illustrator, art director, etc. I have had positive experiences with my work and can only speak to the value of working with professionals who know how to shepherd a book from idea to bookshelf.

Do you have a website? Are you on social media? Do social media play a role for you as an author? Do your readers contact you? What do they say? 

I have a website and social media accounts, so my readers can find and engage in my work further. I was reluctant to go so “public” at first, but I see the benefits of being visible worldwide. I have received some enthusiastic emails, tweets, and posts, which always brighten my day.

What advice can you give an aspiring writer? 

Never give up. Work on your craft and find other writers. Build a community, join one, and get involved in a critique group. Writing is a solitary activity and can lead to long lonely periods indoors. Often in my break with friends or out in nature, I’ll find inspiration, a way through a block, and a word or phrase that was eluding me. Do anything you can to savor and refine your creativity. 

Thank you, Rukhsanna, for a sharing your work and your manaʻo with us! 

You can learn more about Rukhsanna Guidroz by visiting her website and following her on Instagram and Facebook. 

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. 

Aloha, Shar! For those who haven’t met you, where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Kailua on O’ahu, and it is where I live today with my ‘ohana.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My partner, my husband, my sidekick, Keali’i. He has stood by me through this crazy roller coster. From day 1.  He helped me get through college, he helped find my way back to me. When I first started Punky Aloha, he helped me pay for my business license and for my first business cards and prints. I guess you could say he was an early investor.  He helped my run my shop in the very beginning, and still helps me install murals to this day.

Why did you become a artist? What do you enjoy most about creating art?

I have always wanted to be an artist. I don’t know that I ever thought about being anything else. And that’s not to say that I was always good at drawing, because I definitely wasn’t. Haha! That took a lot of years of hard work.  But I grew up watching my mom draw. She is a wonderful illustrator and painter, and she raised us up surrounded by art.

I think what I love about making art the most is just being able to create the world that lives in your head. It’s almost like having a bit of control over something in your life. Even if it only exists on paper, being able to share your visions with people can be empowering and healing.

You also wrote and illustrated a picture book. What inspired you to write your first book?

As an illustrator, I think many of us have making a children’s book on our bucket list. I know I did. So when I was presented the opportunity, I went with what I knew best: me. I based my book on my childhood and what some of my experiences were like.

What are some of your greatest challenges in writing?

I don’t consider myself to be as strong a writer as I am an illustrator, so I came across a lot of challenges, especially writing for children. I wanted to go on this epic adventure with my protagonist, but you only have 32 pages and 800 words to do so, and you also have got make sure you remember who your audience is — 3–7 year olds! So it presents all sort of challenges but also opportunities in finding new ways to tell a story.

What are your hopes and dreams for the year and beyond in terms of both your art and writing career and what you would like to see published in the future?

My older brother is a very talented writer. He went to film school and has this really great comedic way of storytelling. We have been talking about working on either a graphic novel together or maybe a children’s book. Something. So that’s in my mind a lot right now. Ive also got a couple ideas brewing, so we shall see what the future holds. An ultimate dream of mine would be to have an animated series based on my books with a full pasifka and local to Hawai’i cast! Pasifika showrunner, editors, animators, voices, etc!

That would be amazing! There are not a lot of books for kids by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander writers. Why do you think that is? What do you think we can do the change that?

There aren’t, sadly 🙁 In fact, Punky Aloha was the first children’s book published by a big main stream publisher that was written and illustrated by (and starred) a Pacific Islander. I didn’t realize that until it came out. And I think the lack of representation is something that is finally being addressed more and more.  On one end the media very rarely gives us a platform, so if we aren’t seeing ourselves represented, why would we even think we belong in certain spaces? So I think its a partnership in a way. We as PI and NH (Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian) should feel inspired to take up creative space, and we should do what we can to learn those skills so that we can share our stories with our voices. Also, these creative platforms should keep looking out for all the talent we have to offer because there is A LOT! I always say: Greet opportunity with preparation. So when there is an opportunity for you to share your creativity, be sure you are prepared with a strong voice and a strong skillset! We got this!

We do! Do you have a website? Do you blog? When did you get started on social media? What do your readers say?

I do 🙂 www.punkyaloha.com is where you can find my portfolio of work, info and shop. I started my social media presence around 2018.

What advice can you give an aspiring author/illustrator?

My advice is to keep going! Keep working at what you are doing and most importantly, create work that you love. If that is what you are putting out into the world, that is what you will be hired to do.

What beliefs is your work challenging?

I like to challenge what our PI stereotypes. I have always tried to illustrate our people as I know them to be. They are my family, my friends, my peers. There have been so many versions of how we are illustrated that its hard to separate fact from fiction. So it’s a delicate balance.  I also like to challenge peoples perspective on what we in Hawai’i are capable of doing. It’s easy to dismiss us because we are from a small cluster of islands in the ocean, but we have as much to offer as anyone and we can do anything in the world. There is so much talent here.

Where do you get your inspirations?

From home. From Hawai’i. From Moana (the ocean, not the Disney character. Even though I love her haha!)

Do you have any plans for another book?

I do! I have two set to release in 2024. One will be another Punky Aloha book, and the second is a book I have illustrated for Illima Todd. She has written a beautiful book about Mauna Kea, and I am so excited to work on it.

We canʻt wait! Can you share a bit about what youʻre working on next?

Right now I am just juggling a bunch of projects. I have a few murals coming up, and some freelance projects, trying to balance it all with also having a family to nurture and spend time with 🙂

This has been awesome! Mahalo nui, Shar, for sharing your art and your manaʻo! You can learn more about Shar Tuiʻasoa by visiting her website, Punky Aloha, and following her on Instagram. 

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 create breathtaking art that brings life to our ancestors, and he does so through his extensive knowledge of  Native Hawaiian history and culture. 

For those who haven’t met you, could you please tell us a little about yourself?

I have always loved to draw since I was little but only started painting in 2009. I’ve been married for 32 years, 5 children, two grandchildren. My biggest supporter is my wife and business partner, Drena. 

Where did you grow up? What high school did you grad from? 

I was raised in Kahaluʻu, Heʻeia, and Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu. I attended Castle High School and graduated class of ’79. 

Go Knights! Why did you become an illustrator? Did you always know you could create art?

I learned art by watching my dad create his art. I am passionate about family history and honor the ancestors by painting their stories and accomplishments. 

Note: Brook’s father, David Kaleiomanoanahulu Waipa Parker, was a gifted writer and aliʻi member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha.

What do you enjoy most about creating art? What are some of your greatest challenges?

I enjoy telling the stories of our kūpuna and keeping their names and memories alive visually.

What are your hopes and dreams for the year and beyond in terms of your artistic career and what you would like to see published in the future?

I am thankful I am able to provide for my family by painting and hope to publish a book on the Great Chiefs of Hawaii which will include the art I have created.

We are looking forward to that! There are not a lot of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander or people of color kid lit illustrators. Why do you think that is?

Yes, I agree. We need more Pacific nation artists to tell our stories through our own eyes.

Do you have a website? Are you on  social media?

My website is Hawaiian at Art. Iʻm also on Instagram and Facebook. 

What advice would you give an aspiring illustrator?

Don’t give up, holomua, move forward, improve your skills, and be passionate about what you do.

Can you share a bit of your current work?

I am currently completing a large painting of Chief Kaiana with his brothers, Nahiolea and Namakeha.

Where do you get your inspirations? 

From books, stories and other gifted artist I admire.

Illustrators and artists, like writers, do a lot of research when theyʻre creating. Whatʻs your research process like? 

I study, meditate and pray before projects.

Can you share a bit about what you’re working on next? 

Iʻm not quite sure yet, maybe something of a Hina vibe.

We have much to look forward to from you! Mahalo, Brook, for sharing your manaʻo! To learn more about Brook Parker and to view samples of his art, visit his website at Hawaiianatart.org and follow him on Instagram. 

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.

First of all, congrats, Dru! For those who haven’t met you, could you please tell us a little about yourself?

Hello! My name is Druscilla Santiago, and I draw pictures for kids and grown ups. I’m from Waipahu, but I live in town with my husband and our son, now. These days, I mostly work on illustrating kids books, but I also do private commissions and graphic design/illustration work for local businesses and non-profits.

Where did you grow up? What high school did you grad from? 

I love this question! I lived on the mainland for a while in my twenties, and every time I ran into someone from Oahu, we’d always be like, “What high school you grad?” Without fail. And I’m proud to say I graduated from Leilehua High School in Wahiawa. Go mules!

Indeed! My husband, Tim, is a proud Leilehua grad, too. Why did you become an illustrator? Did you always know you could create art?

I think I’ve always been an illustrator even though I didn’t know to call it that. I’ve loved to draw since I was a kid. My mom went to art school when I was very young, and I used to watch her draw and get into her expensive art supplies and draw my own little pictures alongside her. From there, my love of picture books, cartoons, and comics sort of lead me to this career.

That’s so cool. What do you enjoy most about illustrating? What are some of your greatest challenges?

Ooh. So, I kind of live in my head and drawing is the best way to express myself. You know? It’s like talking. So in a way, what I like specifically about illustrating is that I can tell a story without having to say words.  And I think the greatest challenge of being an illustrator is taking this love of drawing and making it a job. Because my mind wanders, and it’s important to stay on task. So maybe the real challenge is staying focused? Yeah, that’s it. 

What are your hopes and dreams for the year and beyond in terms of your artistic career and what you would like to see published in the future?

I’m just getting started, so my hope and dream is to keep going!

Do you have a website? Are you on  social media?

Yes, my website is adventurefun.club, and my instagram handle is @adventurefunclub. I’m on instagram more than I should be, and while I enjoy engaging on social media, the best way to contact me is via email. Don’t get lost in the DMs! 🙂 

What advice would you give an aspiring illustrator?

I would say, what I tell myself all the time, there is no “right” way to achieve your goals. Keep working at your craft, and you will get there. For real. And if any aspiring illustrator reading this is particularly interested in Picture Books? Join Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators! Seriously, click this link: https://www.scbwi.org/  Joining SCBWI and attending a national conference was incredibly helpful and enlightening for me. 

Can you share a bit of your current work?

I’d love to! I am currently working on a Hands-On Science series by Lola Schaefer. It’s my first picture book project, and I am loving it. The first book in the series, called MATTER, is set to be released this summer 2023. The other two books in the series will be about Geology and Motion. 

We love STEM picture books! Can you share a bit about what you’re working on next?

Not really next, but in addition to the Science series, I am working on a wonderful book called A HAT FOR A HOUSE by Audrey Perrott. I’m not sure how much I can say about it, but it’s exciting! 

It is! Mahalo, Dru! We’re looking forward to your upcoming books! To learn more about Dru Santiago and view a gallery of her sketches,  visit her website and blog, Adventure Club. 

As 2022 ends, I look back with aloha and gratitude to the many people who have made such a difference in my writing life.

Mahalo nunui to the wonderful writers and artists who shared their manaʻo here on my blog this past year — their hopes and accomplishments continue to inspire us.

To the many wonderful writing friends I’ve made, especially at Writing Barn’s CtC community, my aloha always. You are a source of encouragement and wisdom I know I can count on.

Thank you, Brandi Uyemura, for letting me bounce ideas off of you and for sharing your wonderful writing with me. 

Mahalo to my agent, James MacGowan, for believing in me. Team James all the way!

I look forward to sharing good news in the coming year about my debut picture book as well as a new website focusing on Native Hawaiian and Polynesian creators! Aloha from my ʻohana to yours! See you in 2023!

Our ongoing series of interviews with Native Hawaiian and local Hawaiʻi writers continues this week with Caren Loebel-Fried, the talented award-winning author/illustrator. 

Aloha, Caren. For those who haven’t met you, could you please tell us a little about yourself?

Aloha, Kamalani. I’m an artist and author from Volcano, on Hawai’i’s Big Island. My favorite things are exploring wild places, watching and learning about birds, making art and telling stories about these things.

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up on the New Jersey shore, going to the beach in the summer.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband encourages and cheers me on, and sometimes joins me on my research adventures. Many biologists, cultural practitioners, teachers, and librarians also support my work, and help me get the story right.

Why did you become a writer/illustrator?

My mom is an artist and still is my greatest inspiration. I was always drawn to making art. And my art has always told stories. When I had the opportunity to create books, I worked to be a better writer. Now I tell stories with words AND pictures.

What inspired you to write for children?

Picture books were a natural fit for me. But I have to admit, I create my books for all ages — keiki and the adults who read to them, and anyone who enjoys a compelling story. I’ve always loved reading books written for all ages, and I collect art-filled books that inspire me, no matter what age they are intended for. 

What do you enjoy most about creating for kids?

I love sharing with a curious audience, and most keiki are open and curious.

What are some of your greatest challenges?

My aim is to be a voice for wildlife. My greatest challenge is persuading people to care about and want to help native species. I try to do this in a fun way, by creating engaging stories and art that capture the spirit and personality of the individual animal (including human!), plant, the natural elements and environmental features that are my subjects… I aim to make art that is colorful, engaging, alive. I am also interested in culture and how we humans live in our world, interact with our environment, and our connection to place. Many of us have lost a feeling of connection to the natural world. I try to awaken or reawaken that connection.

What are your hopes and dreams for the year and beyond in terms of your writing/artistic career?

This year, I’ll be working on my next book with University of Hawai’i Press. This story is about Makani, a young Hawaiian girl named after the wind that seabirds depend on. Makani adores ʻuaʻu, the Hawaiian petrels that her biologist mom works with. Seabirds are so cool! But their lives are completely hidden from us. They live over the ocean and only come to land to breed, flying in the dark of night, and nesting in burrows underground. I’ll be telling their amazing story through the experience of Makani. I hope this book inspires readers, especially girls, to explore science, art, and storytelling. There are many ways to help wildlife! We can all find our own way to help preserve wildlife and wild places.

Do you have a website? 

I do: https://www.carenloebelfried.com/. And I have a YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNgbp1m6lsf6d4w89oV6ung. 

What advice would you give an aspiring writer/illustrator?

Keep creating! Discover the things that are important to you and tell about them in your work!

Which characters do you relate with easily? Why?

My last book, Manu, The Boy Who Loved Birds, is about a young boy named after an extinct Hawaiian forest bird. I relate to Manu desperately wanting to know the meaning of his name, and leaving no stone unturned in his journey of discovery… and also his difficulty in believing that extinction is forever. I also relate to Manu’s parents, who won’t just give Manu answers, but instead give him the opportunities to make discoveries himself. I tried to do this with my own son when he was growing up, and now I do it with my readers and my books!

Thatʻs a beautiful book. What beliefs are your books challenging?

It’s hard to hear, learn, believe that things we do may be unintentionally hurting wildlife. I try to present the facts, for people to know for themselves. But I also present ways that people can help. I try to write hopeful, inspiring stories and give people the tools to be an active part of the solution.

Where do you get your ideas and inspirations?

I see something cool out in nature almost everywhere and think, Wow- THAT would make a great storybook!

Mahalo, Caren, for allowing me to interview you and for sharing your manaʻo! To learn more about Caren, and to see a gallery of art pieces and to contact Caren Loebel-Fried, please visit Carenʻs website.