We are kicking off Asian American Pacific Islander Month with “May Day” which is known as “Lei Day” in Hawai'i. May Day is a beloved annual celebration started in 1928 and held on May 1st to honor Hawaiian culture, music, hula, and the tradition of making and wearing lei.
Each island has their own special “pua” flower for the celebration:
- Hawaiʻi: Red Lehua Blossom
- Maui: Pink Lokelani Rose
- Oʻahu: Yellow ʻIlima
- Kauaʻi: Purple Mokihana Berry
- Molokaʻi: White Kukui Blossom
- Lānaʻi: Orange Kaunaʻoa
- Kahoʻolawe: Silvery-gray Hinahina
- Niʻihau: White Pūpū Shell
In honor of celebrating May Day and the Kingdom of Hawai'i, we are sharing our favorite Picture Books to Celebrate Hawai'i May Day. We hope our KidLit TV community can enjoy reading and sharing these books with the young readers in your lives.
Comment below with other new titles to help our readers
find new favorites for their bookshelves at home
and in the classroom!
• Picture Books to Celebrate Hawai'i May Day •
KALEI'S MAY DAY IN HAWAI'I NEI
Kalei is nervous about dancing in the school May Day until a surprise adventure with a furry new friend teaches her to celebrate cultures that are different from hers and appreciate what she learns about her own Hawaiian heritage. Plus, she picks up a few new dance moves along the way.
KALEI'S MAY DAY IN HAWAI'I NEI
Written by Keilani Akoi Clark and Illustrated by Nadia Tagaloa
Published by Pacific Kuleana
ALOHA EVERYTHING
Aloha Everything, is a magical story that will take you on a thrilling journey through the breathtaking islands of Hawaiʻi!
In this exciting adventure, you’ll encounter mighty canoes crashing over ocean waves, regal hawks soaring high above the clouds, and brilliant lizards jumping nimbly through forest trees! Most importantly, you'll meet a courageous young girl who learns, grows, and comes to love her island home with all her heart. Aloha Everything is both a captivating read and a fantastic educational resource for learning about Hawaiian history, ecology, and culture. With breathtaking hand-painted illustrations and beautiful rhyming poetry that will lull little ones into brilliant dreams of vibrant adventure, this book is sure to capture the hearts of both children and parents alike.
ALOHA EVERYTHING
Written by Kaylin Melia George and Illustrated by Mae Waite
Published by Red Comet Press
A SONG FOR THE COLORS AND THE FLOWERS OF HAWAI'I
A Song for the Colors and the Flowers of Hawaiʻi (Mele No Ka Waihooluu) is an adorable Little Rainbow Reader book that teaches young children about the beauty of Hawaiʻi through song and color. This colorful book is the 1st series of books that were inspired by Kawaikapuokalani to gift the spirit of Hawaiian Culture to the world. The author says, “The best way to teach the Hawaiian Language is through song.” The book comes equipped with a special ‘one-time’ access code enveloped in the back that can be used to download the song, “Mele No Ka Waihooluu” from the books website and the song can be found on Kawaikapuokalani Hewett’s newly released album, “He Lei Aloha No Nā Moʻopuna.” Follow along as we sing and dance our way through the colors and flowers of Hawaiʻi.
Beautiful RED lehua, bright ORANGE ʻilima—from the mountain to the sea, Hawaiʻi is adorned with a lei of blossoms and aglow with colors.
A SONG FOR THE COLORS AND THE FLOWERS OF HAWAI'I
Written by Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Illustrated by Yuko Green
Published by The Madden Corporation
THE LEI BOOK
The Hawaiian lei is emblematic of the islands' natural beauty and the famous aloha spirit. An art form introduced by the very first Polynesian settlers, lei can be crafted from a wide array of materials, and are worn to celebrate events from birthdays to graduations and of course, the arrival of loved ones from afar!
“The Lei Book” is the third collaboration from April Hail and Hana Augustine, and introduces keiki to the rich history and tradition of the Hawaiian lei.
Written by April Hail and Illustrated by Hana Augustine
Published by Keiki Kaukau
TUTU MAKES A LEI
Tutu Makes a Lei is an adorable story about a sweet old lady with a flourishing garden. She wakes up in the morning to make a special lei for her dear friend with the flowers and plants she has grown. Her bird friends descend from the sky to help Tutu make her lei. When its completed, the birds deliver the lei to Tutu's friend to celebrate her birthday. Tutu Makes a Lei shows us that the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart. Even a beautifully simple lei can be a touching present and a wonderful way to express your Aloha. Children will love the easy-to-follow rhyming scheme and beautiful artwork with bright and vibrant colors.
TUTU MAKES A LEI
Written by and Illustrated by
Published by Island Heritage Publishing
NEED MORE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Check out Top Picture Books About Hawai'i
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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.
Connect with Bethany on Biracial Bookworms
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