'ōiwi Archives - Kamalani Hurley

Announcing I AM MOANA and I AM MAUI Little Golden Books!

June 2, 2026 by Kamalani Hurley

Dear readers, please allow me to share a dream-come-true with you.

Like many of you, I grew up reading Little Golden Books. The stories were sometimes silly, sometimes serious but always fun and inspiring. I loved them all.

The books evolved over the years — from gentle stories like Poky Little Puppy (1942) and We Like Kindergarten (1965) to recent best-sellers tied to movies and celebrities — all to keep up with reader demand.

Growing up in the rough-and-tumble urban neighborhood of Kalihi-Pālama, I never imagined that one day I would have the chance to WRITE not one LGB … but two.

I am thrilled that I AM MOANA and I AM MAUI (Disney/Golden) are out in the world today!

Writing these stories helped me grow as an author: meeting strict deadlines, providing extensive art notes, and being true to the movies and the characters. I am so grateful for the experience that expanded my skills.

Guided by the Dream Team at Disney Press, I focused on what made these characters so beloved — their courage, resourcefulness, and adventurous spirits.

Honestly, it was such a joy to live in Moana’s world again!

And the fantastic art! Talented artists Lisa Vannini and Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay created vivid, richly imaginative illustrations that are a Disney signature. The one above where Moana is doing her best to lead her crew is one of my favorites. So much storytelling in one art spread!

This was an experience I will cherish forever. MAHALO NUI to the fantastic team at Little Golden Books and Disney Enterprises!

I am Moana
Written by Kamalani Hurley, illustrated by Lisa Vannini
Golden/Disney, 2026
ISBN 978–0736447546
Suggested for ages 2 — 5

I am Maui
Written by Kamalani Hurley, illustrated by Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay
Golden/Disney, 2026
ISBN 978–0736447522
Suggested for ages 2 — 5

Images @Disney Enterprises, 2026

Interview with I am a Bon Dancer author Brandi-Ann Uyemura

April 7, 2026 by Kamalani Hurley

As readers of this blog know, we highlight the talented creators of our AANHPI — Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander — community.

We are excited that our longtime friend, Brandi-Ann Uyemura, has a new book out this month! A lot has happened since we first featured her in 2022. She recently sat down to talk story and catch us up about her debut picture book, I am a Bon Dancer.

Can you share a bit of your debut picture book, I am a Bon Dancer? Without giving away too much for those who haven’t read it yet, what is it about?

Sure! I am a Bon Dancer is about a little girl who hasn’t been to the Bon dance before, but has heard her grandfather talk about it. His excitement is contagious, and she feels excited, too, until she gets there and realizes everyone seems to know how to dance. She is afraid to make a mistake in the glow of the lanterns and with everyone looking at her, but she gains courage when she learns the meaning behind the dance.

What inspired you to write the book?

Oh this has been in my mind for a very long time. I used to go to Obon with my grandfather on the island of Kauaʻi as a kid. He loved to go, and I remember how excited he would get on that day. He would whistle as he got dressed. He had this hair oil that he would use to pat down the few hairs on his balding head. He was so cute.

He had a station wagon and he would take my cousins and me early. My grandma would be there helping in the kitchen. It was something we all looked forward to. And all the details from the lanterns, the ono food, and my grandfather’s joy stayed with me all these years and inspired me to write this book.

Such sweet memories! What characteristics do you love best about the young protagonist? About Grandpa Jo? Are they modeled after specific people?

I love that she is afraid and yet still tries to dance. I was also scared to dance, so I sat on the bench and watched my grandpa dance. She is who I wish I was as a kid. Grandpa Jo is based on my grandpa Wakamatsu. I was really close to him. Having said that, while the characters were created because of my relationship with my grandparents, they are very different from real life. My grandpa worked in the sugar cane fields, for example, not my grandmother.

What was your favorite part of writing your book?

I love writing, and I love coming up with the sensory details of Bon Odori itself. I also loved working with Watercress author Andrea Wang. That part was so inspiring and really pushed me to be a better writer. I learned so much from Andrea and am forever grateful for her mentoring me. She was super generous with her time in helping me get my manuscript in the best shape possible.

How lucky to have Andrea as your mentor! The illustrations are wonderful. What was it like working with Amy Matsushita-Beal?

Thank you! I agree. The closest I got to working with Amy was just suggesting the type of illustrations I was looking for.

I never actually had a chance to work with them directly, but it was one of the highlights of my year to visit Amy in Japan. She is multi-talented and extremely creative. During our meeting, we got to talk about the process. I learned, for example, that the main character was inspired by a TV character and that there were suggestions in one of the drafts that were never used. I didn’t realize how fun it would be to talk to the illustrator, and I am so glad I got a chance to!

I love the book’s back matter. How do you hope this additional content influences the reader’s experience of the book?

Thank you, Kamalani! That means a lot to me because Kaho’olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People was such a powerhouse of information. I hope that my readers will understand the significance of obon with that level of awareness and understanding.

But I also want readers to know that while the Bon dance has religious roots, today’s Bon dance is more about community and spending time with those you love.

In terms of the reader’s experience with the book, I hope that reading it will help them gain a deeper emotional understanding of why dancing is so important to the characters in the book and to appreciate the people behind some of the movements. While they appear simple, the hand movements often convey history, hard work, and real-life sacrifice for the Japanese people.

That’s fascinating! What do you hope teachers or librarians do with your book?

I just hope they share it! I gave a presentation once for an online class I took with author Marcie Colleen on “Windows and Mirrors.” I really hope librarians and teachers know how much I appreciate what they do, how important their roles are, and what a gift they can give children in providing both windows for children to learn about a new culture or learning something new about the Bon dance, but also mirrors for kids who want to see themselves in a book.

Mirrors and windows — what a terrific concept! What do you hope young readers will take away from your book? That is, what is the main message or feeling you hope kids get from this book?

I hope they will see themselves in it. I hope they will feel inspired and encouraged to do something that scares them and feel brave because of their own ancestors and the struggles they have been through.

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

I am working on multiple manuscripts. Some about my culture. Other zany ones are about animals and dragons. I am also continuing to work on my middle-grade mystery about chocolate, which now has ghosts in it. The market keeps changing, and I like to write different things. The tricky part is finding a publishing home for them!

Mystery about chocolate and ghosts? I can’t wait for that book! Mahalo for your time and mana’o, Brandi! Visit Brandi at her website, Brandi-Ann Uyemura, and on Istagram at @brandialwayswrites.

Learn about I am a Bon Dancer in our picture book review!

Images courtesy of Brandi-Ann Uyemura

Book Review: I AM A BON DANCER by Brandi-Ann Uyemura

April 7, 2026April 7, 2026 by Kamalani Hurley

Hawai’i is blessed with a diverse population, in large part due to our sugar plantation history. Hard-working people from far away places as China, Portugal, Japan, Puerto Rico, the Korean peninsula, the Philippines, and Russia settled here, raising their families and contributing to what has become our unique local culture.

This is reflected in fifth-generation Japanese American Brandi-Ann Uyemura’s delightful debut picture book, I am a Bon Dancer.

It’s Obon season in Hawaiʻi, and our young protagonist is excited to attending her first festival. Accompanied by her beloved grandfather, Grandpa Jo, the young girl is immediately entranced by the sounds, sights and aromas of the Bon dance. Most of all, she is in awe of the graceful dancers who move together, clapping, sweeping their arms and stepping to the music.

Will she ever learn to dance as beautifully?

What follows is a tale as the little girl learns how Bon dances are connected to her ancestors. I was especially moved by the image of the young dancer with her Grandma Nat, who had worked as a field hand on a sugar plantation. Feeling love and encouragement, the girl gathers her courage, feels the music within her, and begins to dance.

The illustrations by Amy Matsushita-Beal are beautiful. Because Bon dances tend to be held during evening hours, the book’s scenes are saturated with deep blues to represent the evening sky. One of my favorite spreads shows the girl entering the for the first time. We readers share her wonder and excitement — the thumping beats of the drummers, the tall red and white striped tower strung with brightly colored lanterns, the tents beyond that hint of delicious treats.

Although Obon is a Japanese tradition, the illustrations include diverse faces. As a girl, I attended Bon dances with my Japanese language school classmates, so I appreciate that the dancers are an authentically accurate reflection of the open-to-all invitation of the festival.

I love back matter, and the material at the end of the book is very insightful. I particularly loved learning about Hawaiʻi’s Obon traditions and that new songs are created to reflect life here. Festivals welcome everyone in the community to join in. And as a future ancestor — no spoiler here — I admit the last line of the back matter brought me to tears.

As I always try to do with picture book reviews, I read the book aloud to my youngest grandchildren. The book’s words and art kept their attention the whole time, and they even cheered at the very last scene!

My second grader read the book twice in one sitting — always a good sign — and together we looked for videos of Bon dance festivals online. All the grandkids have decided that we are all going to the next Bon dance at the Hongwanji near my house.

That is the best recommendation I think a picture book can have: it engages children and inspires them to learn more about their neighbors — near and far — and their traditions. I am a Bon Dancer is a most worthy addition to your child’s bookshelf.

I am a Bon Dancer
Written by Brandi-Ann Uyemura, illustrated by Amy Matsushita-Beal
Holiday House, 2024
ISBN 978–0823452200
Suggested for ages 4 — 8

Catch up with author Brandi-Ann Uyemura as she shares her process in writing this book!

Please read our disclaimer to learn our book review policy. Mahalo!

Galley review copy and images courtesy of Brandi-Ann Uyemura.

Happy Book Birthday!

February 4, 2025 by Kamalani Hurley

Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People
Written by Kamalani Hurley, illustrated by Harinani Orme
Millbrook/Lerner (Feb 4, 2025)
ISBN 979–8765605011
Suggested for ages 7 — 11, grades 2 — 5

Photo credits: Harinani Orme and Rokki Midro

You are Invited to Our Book Launch at Native Books in Honolulu on February 8

February 3, 2025January 28, 2025 by Kamalani Hurley

You are cordially invited to the official book launch of Kaho’olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People

at Native Books (1164 Nuʻuanu Avenue, Chinatown Historic Arts District)

on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 11 am — 1 pm

Harinani Orme, the book’s wonderful illustrator, and I plan to share about the book’s journey to publication in a relaxed, talk story-type format.

Maile Meyer and the good folks Native Books have graciously offered to donate a portion of the proceeds of books sold during the event to the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Mahalo nui!

We look forward to talking story with you at there!

100% of the authorʻs proceeds will be donated to the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana

Flier created by Native Books. Photo credits: Harinani Orme and Rokki Midro

Interview with Native Hawaiian Illustrator Malia Pila

November 23, 2025January 13, 2025 by Kamalani Hurley

I like to think I’m a wordsmith. I can often take an idea and work to find the best words to tell a story I hope my young readers will love.

But a children’s book is way more than words. Beautiful illustrations are key to making well-written stories and turning them into visual magic for young readers.

Talented Native Hawaiian illustrator Malia Pila is one such magician. Her charming, gorgeous images have a cinematic aesthetic that young readers and their grownups love.

We are so pleased to talk story with Malia today.

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

My name is Malia Pila, and I’m an illustrator working primarily in picture books these days, but I have also worked in visual development for animation! I enjoy exploring different media and styles with my artwork whenever I can as well as researching niche things like historical costuming and the mythology of different cultures.

My biggest supporter for nearly 15 years now has been my (soon-to-be) husband. My career path has not been very clear or linear and even when I’ve had moments of self-doubt, he has always been at my side to help me back onto my feet and find inspiration again.

Congratulations on your engagement! Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a handful of different places. A large part of my childhood was spent between Hilo where my father is from and Kona, but we eventually moved to the mainland, and I spent my teen years in places like Florida and Arkansas.

What has been your journey to becoming a professional illustrator? Why did you become an illustrator/artist? Have you always wanted to create art?

I have always had a desire to create art, but it took some time to land specifically on “professional illustrator.” My older sister introduced me to drawing when I was about 6, and while I’m sure I drew plenty before then, I specifically remember her introduction having a profound impact on me and igniting a spark that has just refused to die down since.

I’ve been lucky that my family has never put down my dreams or insisted I pivot to something else completely. So by the time I made it to university, I had refined an incredibly vague career plan of “ARTIST” into a more specific goal to work in the animation industry. I stuck with that ultimately, but I also found myself exposed to new things that really began to turn my head like illustrating for picture books and studying art history.

After university, I was left in a place I think a lot of fresh graduates are in after art school. There is so much uncertainty in many creative industries, so it can be overwhelming. I’ve tried to just focus on what makes me happy to create and that has really led me to where I am now.

What kinds of illustration work have you done? What do you enjoy most about illustrating, especially for a young audience? What are some of your greatest challenges?

I enjoy illustrating for the sheer enjoyment of creating, to be honest. It is so fun to think of something that perhaps no one has ever thought of before or, alternatively, what many many people have thought of in very different ways, and see it put down on paper or canvas. When it comes to illustrating for a young audience specifically, what I love about it is trying to inspire the same thoughts and feelings I once had as a child looking at artwork in books or rummaging through different covers at the library.

That itself sort of becomes my greatest challenge, too. I want to convey so much with my art sometimes that I have to sit back and pick what to include so as not to overwhelm an individual illustration or muddy a concept and message.

Do you have a favorite medium to work with? Why is that?

I recently picked up gouache painting again, and while I’m still refamiliarizing myself with the medium, I’d say it is becoming a new favorite. For the most part, I’ve worked primarily digitally as an illustrator until recently, and while I love all that digital work offers in the way of flexibility and ease, I really enjoy getting my hands back on something more tactile and messy like paints.

Can you share a bit about what you’re working on now? What’s your inspiration?

Something that has always inspired me is my childhood growing up in Hawaiʻi. I have such fond memories of sitting on my grandpa’s lanai eating manapua, gawking at tide pools, and playing with sleeping grass as a kid. On the flip side, leaving all of that and moving to the mainland was incredibly difficult for me. I’m just starting out with the idea, but I’m hoping to play with it a little and see if these inspirations can come together as either a series of illustrations to speak on these experiences or, who knows, maybe even a picture book!

That sounds so fun! What are your hopes and dreams for the year and beyond in terms of your career and what you do you hope for your career in the future?

I’m starting 2025 with a lot of hopes! I recently signed with an agent so I’m looking forward to debuting on new books and other projects in the new year. My dream for the next year is to build a good foundation for myself as a professional illustrator and past that? I would love to explore the possibility of publishing a book as an author/illustrator myself. To be added alongside other published Pacific Islanders would be such a dream!

What advice would you give an aspiring illustrator?

It is okay to pivot. It is okay to take a break, too! I went through several years of my life when creating art was not a priority for me because I was dealing with some very difficult things. I felt bad about this for a while but honestly, a break was what I needed and I do not feel as if I irrevocably damaged my career by taking one as I eventually came back rested and reenergized and caught right back up to my peers. Sometimes taking a chance to sit back and take in other media can be so helpful when you’ve been creating endlessly for a while and feel burnt out.

What kinds of books do you enjoy reading? Any favorites?

I read a lot of historical fiction and some of my favorite books tend to fall into that category. 2024 was unfortunately a slow reading year for me but one of my favorites that I finished was The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland.

I’m hoping to read so much more in 2025. Specifically, I want to focus on reading more books by other Pacific Islanders. In the past, I’ve found it a little difficult to track down titles but thanks to resources like Pacific Islanders in Publishing, I have a growing reading list to work through.

What’s your online presence?

My portfolio website is maliapila.com. I’m a little more active these days on Instagram (or I try to be, anyway) and can be found there at maliapila.art. I welcome anyone that wants to chat or connect!

Mahalo nui, Malia, for talking story with us! We’re looking forward to hearing more from you soon! To learn more about Malia and see her wonderful illustrations, visit her website, Malia Pila.com, and follow her on Instagram at maliapila.art. Malia is represented by James McGowan at BookEnds Literary Agency.

Images courtesy of Malia Pila.

Book Review: Lei and the Invisible Island by Malia Maunakea

October 7, 2024 by Kamalani Hurley

Native Hawaiian author Malia Maunakea has done it again with book #2 in her Lei and the Legends series for middle graders. Her newest book, Lei and the Invisible Island, takes Lei and the gang on a sometimes wild, sometimes scary, but always fun and satisfying adventure.

Lei and the Invisible Island begins where Lei and the Fire Goddess leaves off. Just when it seems that Kaipo, her best friend and ʻaumakua, is safe, his pendant goes missing. Now the race is on to save Kaipo from oblivion.

The ever-resourceful Lei gathers her friends and takes the reader on an adventure that is ultimately indigenous at its roots. Yet today’s reader will find the story accessible because of its fresh, modern take on traditional legends.

All of the characters — Kaipo, ʻIlikea, Tūtū, new character Kaukahi — are very well developed, but I especially love the character of Lei, who is totally likable as the hero the story. Lei is relatable because she isn’t perfect. She is a fully fleshed out protagonist, a strong and creative leader who must deal with doubts and difficult decisions. It is clear that Lei has a heart and courage and is thoroughly invested to meet the dangerous task at hand.

I really like that story appeals to young readers in the respect they are shown. The book deftly carries the underlying message of hope and forgiveness that the reader comes to naturally in a fun and scary way that middle grader readers love.

The authenticity in Malia Maunakea’s voice shines through. I love her local and kanaka ʻoiwi references which are woven like a lei haku throughout the book. The use of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is truly wonderful, and Tūtū’s pidgin is spot on.

Malia Maunakeaʻs website includes a very cool pronunciation guide (yes, that’s her voice on the audio clips) to the Hawaiian words used in the book.

Lei and the Invisible Island is a Native Hawaiian story with universal themes all readers will love. This book and book #1 Lei and the Fire Goddess are fun and exciting stories and terrific introductions to the Native Hawaiian culture. They deserve space on every middle grader’s bookshelf.

You can learn more about the author in our interview with Malia Maunkea and our review of Lei and the Fire Goddess.

Lei and the Invisible Island
By Malia Maunakea
Penguin Workshop, 2024
ISBN 978–0593522059Recommended for ages 8 — 12

Please read our disclaimer to learn our book review policy. Mahalo!

Review copy and image courtesy of Malia Maunakea

Book Review: Tala Learns to Siva

September 16, 2024 by Kamalani Hurley

There’s something magical about children’s books written by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island authors.

Until recently, stories about our communities told by our people were largely missing in children’s literature. Thankfully, the times are changing, and more voices are emerging to tell our own stories. The best of these narratives sing with heart and authenticity that comes from being rooted in the community.

Tala Learns to Siva is one of those stories. This delightful Pacific Island story by talented author Kealani Netane deserves a space not just on a child’s bookshelf but on school library shelves everywhere.

Young Tala watches her Aunty Siva perform the traditional Samoan taualuga. Captivated by her aunt’s grace and beauty, Tala asks her to teach her to dance in time for her grandmother’s birthday party. But as with most things worth learning, what at first seems easy actually takes work and practice. Will Tala learn to dance in time to share her siva with her grandmother? She decides to do her best.

Like all good stories for children, Tala Learns to Siva resonates with young readers everywhere. They will easily relate to the universal story of the young protagonist’s determination to overcome her doubts and fears. Tala practices everywhere she goes and works hard to master the hand and foot movements. But it’s when Tala understands that the dance connects her to her ancestors that she truly begins to shine.

The illustrations by New York Times bestselling illustrator Dung Ho are colorful and vibrant. The art beautifully invites the reader to become a part of Tala’s island family.

Two spreads are my particular favorites. I love the dance spread on pages 20–21. Both text and art do a wonderful job of capturing Tala’s joy and triumph as she dances the taualuga solo for her family and friends.

And I especially adore the family’s reaction to Tala’s solo on page 22. Growing up in Hawai’i, I’ve attended many Samoan parties and celebrations, and they often end just as page 22 so effectively shows, with elders and others joining in on the fun. This page is my very favorite, I think, because it speaks to me personally, because these folks could be my own friends and neighbors. And isn’t being able to relate to a character or to a piece of art what makes a book special?

The back matter includes a glossary of terms and an author’s note. In it Kealani expresses her love for Samoan dance and traditions that she gratefully passes on to her children.

Tala Learns to Siva is a wonderful introduction to Pacific Island culture and a most worthy addition to any bookshelf.

Tala Learns to Siva
Written by Kealani Netane, illustrated by Dung Ho
Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Books, 2024
ISBN 978–1338859317
Suggested for ages 4 — 8

Meet author Kealani Netane in our talk story interview!

Please read our disclaimer to learn our book review policy. Mahalo!

Galley review copy and images courtesy of Kealani Netane.

Publisher’s Weekly Sneak Peak: Kaho’olawe Picture Book!

September 2, 2024 by Kamalani Hurley

I’ve missed you, my reading and writing friends! It’s been a little while since my last blog post, but that’s because I’ve been working on a couple of manuscripts. As Stephen King once said, When you’re writing, the book is boss. No kidding.

My debut picture book, Kaho’olawe: The True Story of An Island and Her People (illustrated by Harinani Orme) is scheduled for Spring 2025. And look what I found in Publisher’s Weekly Spring 2025 Children’s Sneak Peak issue!

Woohoo!

It’s been two-years from idea to almost publication, and I can’t wait to share this book as well as my other projects with you!

Mahalo to Michael Nahoʻopiʻi of the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission and especially Davianna McGregor of the Protect Kahooolawe ‘Ohana for their generosity and encouragement.

More soon!

Book Review: I See Color, by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew

June 26, 2024 by Kamalani Hurley

Author Valerie Bollingʻs picture books are always great choices for kids. Her colorful, lyrical early readers and picture books focus on the simple joys and triumphs of childhood.

Her first non-fiction picture book is a collection of biographical sketches, I See Color: An Affirmation and Celebration of Our Diverse World. Featured are leaders, many little-known to today’s kids, who have made profound impacts on the world. The collection’s short, engaging format makes it the perfect introduction of short biographies to children.

I am delighted that our own Native Hawaiian activist and scholar, the late Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask, is one of the featured unsung heroes! Haunani is presented in a lovely a two-page spread: a concise yet thoughtful passage highlighting her key contributions accompanied by a beautiful illustration.

The passage has all the hallmarks of author Bolling’s wonderful books with lyrical, approachable language, and the artwork is gorgeous. Most of all, I love that I See Color can become a jumping off point for kids everywhere to discover more about the people featured but especially about Haunani-Kay Trask and her fierce aloha for our lāhui.

This beautifully illustrated picture book is the ideal gateway for kids to learn about the people of color who continue to make a difference in our lives.

I See Color: An Affirmation and Celebration of our Diverse World
Written by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew, illustrated by Laylie Frazier
HarperCollins, 2024
ISBN 978–0063234260
Suggested for ages 4 — 8

Please read our disclaimer to learn our book review policy. Mahalo!

Review copy and image courtesy of Valerie Bolling.