IN THE MEDIA:
Honolulu Star-Advertiser June 4, 2023 
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THREE HAWAIIAN LEGENDS • A PRIMER
THE PELE STORIES written by Gabrielle Ahuli‘i, illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong A collection of three Hawaiian legends that introduce young readers to Pele, the Goddess of Volcanoes, and her sister, Hi‘iaka, the Goddess of Hula--Pele Finds a Home, Hi‘iaka Battles the Wind, and Naupaka--with text in English and Hawaiian. Also available as separate board books for toddlers, this bilingual English and Hawaiian collection presented in larger, picture book size, is for kids in kindergarten through second grade and will appeal to parents and teachers for story time read-alouds. Also perfect for kids learning Hawaiian. Pele Finds a Home introduces kids to one of Hawai‘i’s best-known deities, the volcano goddess Pele, whose power is still on view today on the Island of Hawai‘i where Mauna Loa recently erupted and where Kīlauea continues to erupt. This story follows Pele as she searches for a home. Along with her little white dog, she travels across the islands and finds many beautiful places, but none of them are the perfect fit. So Pele creates her own home. Hi‘iaka Battles the Wind introduces kids to one of Hawai‘i’s legends about Hi‘iaka, Pele’s sister. A vicious, destructive wind has been wreaking havoc in Waipi‘o Valley causing the people distress. Homes are being destroyed, crops are blowing away, and the people need help. Hi‘iaka and her lightning pā‘ū (skirt) rushes to the valley and confronts the wind. A raging battle ensues. Hi‘iaka throws lightning bolts and rain. The wind eventually dies down and is cast into a small cave where he can be heard howling to this day. The people of Waipi‘o Valley are once again safe and can live their lives in peace. Naupaka introduces kids ages 0-4 to one of Hawai‘i’s best-known love stories that explains why the native plant naupaka— which can be found on the beach and in the mountains—blooms only half a flower. The naupaka legend tells the story of why this native shrub, found both in the mountains and by the sea, blooms just half a flower. It is a story of love, jealousy, and separation and has inspired hula practitioners, songwriters, and storytellers. 8 x 9 inches 60 pages $16.95 ISBN 978-1-949000-27-6 |
