Naupaka

Summary of Book

Part of a new series called Hawaiian Legends for Little Ones, Naupaka introduces kids ages 0-4 to one of Hawaii'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. In simple, poetic language, this origin story gives small kids a taste of Hawaii's rich history of storytelling. Three other titles in the series are: Hina, Pele Finds a Home, and Maui Hooks the Islands--all legends that will give kids a wider view of Hawaiian culture, history, and its natural world.

Author Biography

Gabrielle Ahuliʻi Ferreira Holt was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She has a BFA in Theatre Design and Production from the University of British Columbia and an MLIS from the University of Hawaii. The books in the Hawaiian Legends for Little Ones series are her first published works.

Illustrator Biography

Jing Jing Tsong is a mom, musician, and surfer whose grown-up job is drawing pictures. Her technique, which layers color and texture, is influenced by her experiences working in traditional stone lithography and monoprints. Her debut picture book, A Bucket of Blessings, written by Kabir and Surishtha Sehgal, was a New York Times bestseller. Jing Jing and her husband Mike Austin (also a designer turned illustrator) live on an island in Washington state.