Whether you are heading to Hawaiʻi for a vacation, teaching about Hawaiian language culture in class, or simply dreaming of paradise, the Top 5 Picture Books About Hawai’i are perfect for kids to learn more about the incredible islands and invite some aloha spirit into any home or classroom.
• Top 5 Picture Books About Hawai’i •
OHANA MEANS FAMILY
Join the family, or ohana, as they farm taro for poi to prepare for a traditional luau celebration with a poetic text in the style of The House That Jack Built. Now available in paperback.
This is the land that’s never been sold, where work the hands, so wise and old, that reach through the water, clear and cold, into the mud to pick the taro to make the poi for our ohana’s luau.
Acclaimed illustrator and animator Kenard Pak’s light-filled, dramatic illustrations pair exquisitely with Ilima Loomis’ text to celebrate Hawaiian land and culture.
The backmatter includes a glossary of Hawaiian terms used, as well as an author’s note.
OHANA MEANS FAMILY
Written by Ilima Loomis and Illustrated by Kenard Pak
Published by Neal Porter Books/Holiday House
PUNKY ALOHA
Meet Punky Aloha: a girl who uses the power of saying “aloha” to experience exciting and unexpected adventures!
Punky loves to do a lot of things–except meeting new friends. She doesn’t feel brave enough.
So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time. Will she be able to get the butter for grandma?
Punky Aloha is a Polynesian girl who carries her culture in her heart and in everything she does. Kids will love to follow this fun character all over the island of O’ahu.
PUNKY ALOHA
Written by and Illustrated by Shar Tuiasoa
Published by HarperCollins
COLORS OF ALOHA
The world is bursting full of beautiful colors, from the blue of the fish to the green of the leaves! Even more wondrous are the many names the different peoples of the world have for them. Join these Hawai’ian kids, their older brother and his boyfriend as they adventure around their island to learn their colours – and a little about love along the way.
Written by Kanoa Kau Arteaga and Illustrated by J. R. Keaolani Bogac-Moore
Published by Flamingo Rampant
123 SAIMIN IN HAWAI’I
A staple in Hawaiʻi for generations, saimin continues to be a favorite treat for kids of all ages. Starting with one egg, two kamaboko (fish cake), and three onions, count each ingredient from one to ten in English and Hawaiian and watch the bowl of saimin grow yummier and yummier.
Take 1 2 3 Saimin in Hawaiʻi with you the next time you eat out–not only will your kids be entertained while they wait, they ll build up a hearty appetite for reading!
123 SAIMIN IN HAWAIʻI
Written and Illustrated by Jamie Meckel Tablason
Published by Beachhouse Publishing
HONEY GIRL: THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL
Hawaiian locals and visitors always enjoy spotting endangered Hawaiian monk seals, but Honey Girl is an extra special case. She has raised seven pups, and scientists call her -Super Mom.
After Honey Girl is injured by a fishhook, she gets very sick. Scientists and veterinarians work to save Honey Girl until she can be released back to her beach. This true story will have readers captivated to learn more about this endangered species.
Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey and Illustrated by Shennen Bersani
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy
specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
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